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Guardians of the South

An in-depth examination of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam's history, structure, and legacy, providing a comprehensive overview for academic study.

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Overview

Establishment & Disbandment

The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) served as the ground forces of the South Vietnamese military from its formal establishment on 26 October 1955 until the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. Its origins trace back to the Vietnamese National Army, created on 8 December 1950.

Nation & Affiliation

As the primary military component of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), the ARVN was closely affiliated with and heavily supported by the United States. It operated under the broader umbrella of the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces.

Size & Composition

At its peak in 1972, the ARVN comprised approximately 410,000 Regular Forces soldiers, supplemented by an additional 532,000 personnel in Territorial Militias, including the Regional Forces and the Popular Force. This represented a significant portion of the nation's population, with roughly 1 in 9 citizens enlisted.

Key Engagements

The ARVN was a principal combatant throughout the Vietnam War. Its operational scope also extended to conflicts in neighboring nations, including the Cambodian Civil War and the Laotian Civil War, reflecting the broader regional dynamics of the era.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis: VNA (1949-1955)

The precursor to the ARVN, the Vietnamese National Army (VNA), was established on 8 December 1950, following the ร‰lysรฉe Accords which recognized the State of Vietnam. The VNA fought alongside French Union forces against the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War, participating in significant campaigns such as the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Formation and Early Years (1955-1960s)

Reorganized as the ARVN in 1955 under President Ngรด ฤรฌnh Diแป‡m, the army initially focused on counter-insurgency against the Viet Cong. Supported by U.S. advisors and funding, the ARVN underwent expansion and modernization, adapting its tactics from guerrilla warfare to more conventional operations, including early helicopter deployment.

Vietnamization and Transformation

Following the U.S. intervention, the ARVN's role evolved. During the period of Vietnamization, initiated by President Nixon, the ARVN was significantly expanded and reconstructed to assume primary combat responsibilities as American forces withdrew. By the early 1970s, it was noted for improved training and effectiveness, though still reliant on U.S. equipment and facing internal challenges.

Final Campaigns and Collapse (1972-1975)

Despite periods of effective combat, particularly during the 1972 Easter Offensive with substantial U.S. air support, the ARVN faced immense pressure. The cessation of U.S. aid, coupled with internal issues of corruption, leadership instability, and declining morale, contributed to its rapid disintegration during the final North Vietnamese offensive in 1975, culminating in the Fall of Saigon.

Organizational Structure

Corps Structure

The ARVN was organized into four main Corps Tactical Zones (CTZs), each responsible for a distinct geographical region of South Vietnam:

  • I Corps/CTZ: Northernmost region, including Huแบฟ and Da Nang.
  • II Corps/CTZ: Central Highlands and coastal regions.
  • III Corps/CTZ: Southern region, including Saigon.
  • IV Corps/CTZ: Mekong Delta region.

A 44th Special Tactical Zone also existed.

Divisions and Brigades

The ARVN comprised numerous infantry divisions, each typically consisting of multiple infantry regiments and artillery battalions. Specialized units, such as the highly regarded Airborne Division and Ranger Groups, provided elite capabilities and served as rapid reaction forces.

Key ARVN Divisions included:

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th Infantry Divisions.
  • Airborne Division (often deployed as a fire brigade).
  • Special Units: Ranger Groups (e.g., 1st-9th Ranger Groups, 81st Ranger Group), ARVN Special Forces (LLDB), Presidential Guard.

Support and Specialized Units

Beyond combat formations, the ARVN included crucial support elements such as Armored Cavalry Squadrons and Regiments, Artillery Battalions, Military Police, and Engineering units. These branches were vital for logistical, tactical, and operational success.

Armament and Materiel

Small Arms

The ARVN was equipped with a wide array of small arms, reflecting its U.S. support and evolving needs:

  • Rifles: M1 Garand, M1/M1A1/M2 Carbine, M16A1, CAR-15/XM177.
  • Submachine Guns: M3 Grease Gun, Carl Gustaf m/45, Madsen M-50, Uzi.
  • Pistols: Colt M1911A1, M1917 Revolver, S&W Model 10.
  • Machine Guns: M60 General-purpose machine gun, M1918 BAR, M1919 Browning, M2 Browning HMG.

Grenades, Launchers, and Support Weapons

Standard infantry support weapons and ordnance were integral to ARVN operations:

  • Grenades: M2 Fragmentation, M26, M59/M67 Fragmentation, M18 Smoke, M14 TH3 Incendiary.
  • Launchers: M7/M8 Rifle Grenade Launchers, M79, M203 Grenade Launchers, M72 LAW, RPG-2, RPG-7.
  • Mortars: M2 (60mm), M19 (60mm), M1 (81mm), M29 (81mm), M30 (107mm).
  • Recoilless Rifles: M18 (57mm), M20 (75mm), M67 (90mm), M40 (106mm).

Vehicles and Artillery

The ARVN utilized a substantial inventory of armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and logistical transport:

  • Tanks: M24 Chaffee, M41 Walker Bulldog, M48 Patton.
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: M113 APC, M113 ACAV, Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando.
  • Artillery: 105mm Howitzers (M101, M102), 155mm Howitzer (M114), 175mm Gun (M107), 203mm Gun (M110).
  • Other Vehicles: M151 Jeep, Dodge M37, M35 series trucks.

Notable Commanders

Key Leaders

The ARVN saw numerous leaders throughout its existence, many of whom played significant roles in the political and military landscape of South Vietnam. Some prominent figures include:

  • Dฦฐฦกng Vฤƒn Minh
  • Cao Vฤƒn Viรชn
  • Ngรด Quang TrฦฐแปŸng
  • Nguyแป…n Khรกnh
  • Nguyแป…n Vฤƒn Thiแป‡u
  • Lรช Minh ฤแบฃo
  • Lรช Vฤƒn Hฦฐng
  • Phแบกm Vฤƒn Phรบ

These commanders navigated complex political environments and led troops through intense combat operations.

Legacy and Aftermath

Post-War Fate

Following the fall of Saigon, the ARVN was dissolved. Thousands of former officers and soldiers were subjected to "re-education camps" by the victorious communist government. Many faced harsh conditions, and some generals chose suicide rather than surrender or face imprisonment.

Historical Perspective

The ARVN remains a subject of historical debate, often characterized by a mix of bravery and dedication alongside issues of corruption, political interference, and leadership deficiencies. Despite its ultimate defeat, the ARVN bore the brunt of combat for extended periods and demonstrated significant resilience under challenging circumstances.

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References

References

  1.  Clarke, Jeffrey J. (1988), United States Army in Vietnam: Advice and Support: The Final Years, 1965รขย€ย“1973, Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History, United States Army, p. 275
  2.  Memo from Secretary of Defense McNamara to President Johnson, March 26, 1964, Foreign Relations of the United States Vietnam 1964รขย€ย“68, Vol. 4, Washington DC, Govt. Printing Office, 1994, p. 732, cited in Brigham p. x.
  3.  Make For the Hills: The Autobiography of the World's Leading Counter Insurgency Expert. Leo Cooper (1989): page 114.
  4.  Vietnam; An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975. Max Hastings, 2018. P 524-525
  5.  The Organization of the Ranger Groups is highly tentative, as the battalions were rather frequently switched between different groups. As an example, the much decorated 34th Battalion served in different periods with the 3rd, 5th and 6th Groups.
  6.  Actually just one single overstrength battalion. While included in the Ranger Command, it had strong links with the LLDB special forces, and used the LLDB green berrets.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Wikipedia page

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