1960s Soldier Morale

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By the end of the 1960s, morale among the US troops was rapidly declining at an astounding rate. With the Anti-war movement reaching its peak in the United States in 1968, soldiers in Vietnam had become increasingly aware that the America no longer supported the war efforts, or the soldiers themselves. Everyday these men were risking their lives while facing the reality that “they were being asked to fight a war that most people avoided.” This not only created tensions between soldiers and military leaders, but also caused negative feelings between the nation and their military. Another reason soldier morale was in decline was the lack of evidence that progress was being made within the war. After fighting against communism and the North …show more content…
During these early years soldiers were frequently involved in combat operations and had little time to engage in drug use or any other social activities. In the earlier years of the war alcohol was the main substance in which soldiers used indulged themselves. During these years alcohol consumption was actually encouraged by the military during off-duty hours. It was not until the end of the 1960s, when combat action slowed, that the use of illegal drugs became a serious problem in the military. Although the soldiers were relieved of the constant trauma of combat, these young men could be spending months on guard duty, in a bunker, or off performing other military tasks which were rather boring to the soldiers. The lack of combat and what were seen as useless duties left these unmotivated soldiers with too much free time on their hands. These circumstances along with anti-war protests back at home created adverse conditions for the soldiers, leading many to find relief in illegal drugs such as marijuana. As news of widespread marijuana use in Vietnam increased, the military began an aggressive offensive against its use. This campaign was greatly aided by the distinct odor of marijuana smoke, making it hard to conceal. In 1969, at this campaign’s height, 1,000 soldiers were being placed under arrest weekly for possession of
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