Vietnam-era Nashos reflect on their service
DVA TV has just produced a video comprising short interviews with 7 National Servicemen who served during the Vietnam War, either overseas or here in Australia. Each of them has distinct views on their time in the Army.
From 1965 to 1972, nearly 64,000 young men were called up for two years of continuous full-time service in the regular Army (reduced to 18 months in 1971). Of these, 15,381 served in Vietnam and another 150 in Borneo. The remainder served in support units in Australia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Tragically, more than 200 were killed in Vietnam, and two in Borneo. More than 1,200 were wounded and countless others have suffered the consequences of their service.
Max Earsman served with the Army’s Psychology Corps. He says he rarely wears his medals and doesn’t feel entitled to march on Anzac Day because he didn’t deploy to Vietnam.
Mick Shae, who served with the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, used to feel much the same way. When he was discharged, he ‘felt like nothing’ because he hadn’t deployed to Vietnam, but found that joining Legacy 20 years ago helped restore a sense of pride.
Geoff Parkes, who served with the Royal Australian Engineers, found transitioning back into civilian life to be very hard.
‘You’ve got to put your hand up and ask for help,’ he says. ‘[Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling] is tremendous and helped me immensely. But I should have asked for help a lot earlier.’
Brian Stephens, who served with the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, is still affected by the death in Vietnam of someone he knew during basic training. Brian, who’s now 77, wakes up every morning and is grateful to be alive.
David Wood became a Regimental Duty Instructor at Puckapunyal after being dismissed from officer training the day before he graduated. It was his job to train recruits; a responsibility he took very seriously.
Barry Anderson served with the 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. ‘National Servicemen of that era have a proud legacy because we did our duty,’ he says. ‘We certainly weren’t looked at favourably when we walked in civilian life with our short haircuts. That was a bit tough to get over, but looking back you can be proud of [what we did].’
‘I was pleased that my number had been drawn,’ says Robert Wade, who served in the Army’s Catering Corps. ‘It maketh the man and it was really enjoyable. My advice to anyone joining the ADF is to make sure your medical records are maintained all the time. Enjoy what you’re doing and if you don’t enjoy it, get out. But put your best foot forward and you’ll be looked after by the Defence Force.’
We thank all National Servicemen for their service.
You can find out more in a Vetaffairs article marking the 70th anniversary of National Service.