Journal of the Modern
Battles Club
Published bi-monthly. Second issue: July 2002
Editor-in-Chief: Sgt.
Tom Ciampa
Publisher: Trung Si Nhat Nguyen Duc
Tho
From the President Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present the second issue of The Line of Demarcation. Again, "Sarge" Ciampa has collected quite a number of interesting and entertaining contributions. I would like to thank him for his hard work that makes this club journal possible. Also, my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to this issue.
On August 4, 2002, the Modern Battles Club will be looking back on its first year of existence. I don't think I expected it to be such a success when I founded it together with Thomas Wieck a year ago and enlisted as member #1. In fact, the club went through hard times this winter and sometimes I saw no reason to assume it would live to see its first anniversary. I am glad events have proved me wrong. Today, the MBC is a thriving gaming community with over 80 active members in its rolls, and judging from the amount of game reports our reliable gamemaster, Cpl. Glyn Hargreaves, has to process these days, there are an incredible number of battles and maneveuvers going on at any given time. Only lately, the release of "Fulda Gap '85" has brought a considerable influx of new members, especially to the US Army and Soviet squads.
Sometimes, though, I wish more members would be interested in getting involved in the club in other ways than just by gaming - as squad leaders, or running web pages, or maybe contributing custom scenarios &c., or articles for the LOD, or simply by posting on the club boards. There are precious few members who are actually present in the everyday life of the club. For those who run the club - the cabinet and the squad leaders - , it's sometimes hard to find out whether their work is appreciated by anyone save themselves! And that is a problem especially on the Commie side.
But anyway, it's good to see the club alive and kicking when entering its second year.
Now, Gentlemen, I hope you have fun with this second issue of the LOD.
Sincerely,
Trung
Si Nhat Nguyen Duc Tho
President, MBC
aka Dierk Walter
Contents of this issue:
Acro-Nym-Mania (Vietnam Trivia)
Vietnam Links (Vietnam Trivia)
July Trivia Contest (Vietnam Trivia); Update to Trivia Contest
Revised Helicopter Tactics, Or: a 53-year-old dog can be taught new tricks! (Tactics)
7/3/2 NVA Squad News (Unit News)
Prizes Offered for the Trivia Contest (Vietnam Trivia)
US Army 173D 1st Platoon News (Unit News)
M-79 Grenade Launcher (Weapon Profile)
The Boys in Company 'C' (Film Review)
by Sgt. Tom Ciampa
Wargamers are also readers of military history and books on tactics, equipment, uniforms, and weapons. Truthfully, do you always know what all those acronyms stand for when you encounter them? Do you always look them up when they are (irresponsibly) not defined for you by the writer or included in a glossary? Come on, admit it. I know I don't nor would I look up a word like ubiquitous or capacious if I were in a hurry.
Recently a couple of different people happened to ask me if I knew the meaning of two different acronyms which they came across. That gave me the idea to include a feature in The LOD on just that subject, the abbreviations that are sometimes encountered in our SB: V and TOD games and our discussions or after-action reports. Since there are abundant sources of the acronyms of war in general, and also those specific to the Vietnam War, I thought it might be interesting if we published some of the more obscure of the abbreviations. All of them will probably be familiar to you, or you may recognize that you have heard them before. But you may also say, "Hey! I never knew what it really meant."
World War II had its OCD (Office of Civil Defense), GOC (Ground Observer Corps), WPB (War Production Board), FWA (Federal Works Agency), PX (Post Exchange) and, of course, G.I (Government Issue). The likes of PX and G.I., of course became, as so many others, common usage during Korea, Vietnam, and later conflicts. Presented below are a selection of acronyms from the realm of the acronym-mania that marks "military-speak" for your enlightenment, ready reference, and possibly, amusement. I presume that there is no need to define, to name just a few of the more universally known "NYMs" (my acronym for acronyms! <G>), such as ATG, ARVN, DMZ, DRV, GVN, IFG, RPG, VC, NVA, NLF, (not the football league), CIB, LZ, KIA, MASH, FUBAR, LOL (oops! That's laughing Out Loud…sorry). Well you get the idea.
The first two are those that sparked this article.
MACV [Military Assistance
Command Vietnam]
TOW* [Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile]
*Learn about this one the hard way by playing the Communists in TOD's
Kontum
CAP [Combined Action
Platoons]
LRRP [Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrols]
MAF [Marine Amphibious Force]
MRF [Mobile Riverine Force
MEB [Marine Expeditionary Brigade]
PACV [Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle]
PAVN [People's Army of Vietnam]
PLAF [People's Liberation Armed Forces]
PBR [Patrol Craft, River]
PCF [Patrol Craft, Fast]
SAS [Australian Special Air Service]
TACMS [Tactical Missile System]
TAOR [Tactical Area of Responsibility]
VIET MINH [Vietnam Doc Lap Dong Minh Hoi] (The Vietnamese Independence
League)
This is, of course, just the
tip of the iceberg, and doesn't even cover the slang of the War; terms
such as: boom-boom, chickenplate, dustoff, hooch, Hop Tac, nasty boats,
slick, thumpgun, number ten, and such. The intention is to continue
with Acro-NYM-mania each month, adding a few, but meaningful terms
each issue of the LOD. That is, of course, if we get feedback on whether
this is interesting and useful or just a waste of space. Contributions
are also welcome from the readers should they encounter a "NYM"
they think worth bringing to the attention of the membership.
Frank Harmon has correctly
answered the trivia question and will be
choosing a prize. A second prize will be awarded to the next person who
sends in the correct answer. The answer, winners and prizes awarded will
be announced in the September LOD. Frank is sworn to secrecy so no pressuring
him!
by David "The Lynx" Stotsenburgh
The purpose of this article is to share links to websites that members can use to construct scenarios and to broaden our knowledge of the War in Vietnam.
http://www.soft.net.uk/entrinet/the_war.htm
The website above has an extensive list of links which take you to veteran after-action accounts, unit histories, organization, tactics, orders of battle and much more. This website is a very good source for a big view picture of the war.
http://www.geocities.com/walk35th/walk35th_hm.htm
I highly recommend the second
website listed above put up by Jim Anderson who served with Bravo Co.2/35
4th Inf. Div. It has very nice graphics and some neat animations. After
the main page loads scroll to the bottom and click on main index to get
to the good stuff. He has 25 after action reports here, some of which
have maps attached, that are extremely interesting and should be of high
value for any scenario designer. He also has operational reports and lesson
learned archives. Jim also offers to scan any topo maps and e-mail them
to you that you are interested in if you send him an e-mail request.
by Trung Si Nhat Nguyen Duc Tho, SL
The Squad has currently 12 active members. Sadly, Binh Nhi's Carrington Ward and Giacomo Cusumano have been reported missing in action. However, Ha Noi has sent us Tan Binh (Recruit) John Vacher as reinforcement.
Sam Moon successfully defends his record as most active squad member - mostly on TOD fields - and has lately been promoted to Ha Si (Corporal) - only the second one in the history of the Communist forces in this club ever to hold this rank. He is also one of only two holders of the Armed Forces Silver Star, for 25 games played.
Binh Nhat Phil Powers has engaged the enemy on several Fulda Gap '85 battlefields and remains the other pillar of the squad. He has lately earned the Armed Forces Medal, for 10 battlefield victories.
The rising star of the squad is David Stotsenburgh, who continues his struggle on the old SBV fields in spite of a series of defeats suffered. His determination deserves the highest praise, and has just today (July 21) earned him a promotion to Binh Nhat (PFC).
The patriotic squad leader himself keeps a low profile lately, with one or two battles ongoing in each SBV, TOD, and FG'85, though he has to restrain himself lest he would start Fulda battles with everyone in the club! Some of the scenarios are unbalanced, but quite different from ME'67, Fulda is really fun. :-) In a series with PFC Tom Konzcal of the US Army, 1st squad, that is to cover the entire Vietnam War, the eigth or so battle has just started. The SL is also just been promoted to Trung Si Nhat (Staff Sergeant) and has earned the People's Army Gold Star (for 50 games played) and the Armed Forces Medal of Honor (for 25 battlefield victories), but also the Order of Resolution for Victory (for 10 defeats).
Prizes
Offered for the Trivia Contest*
The winner of the July Issue of LOD's Trivia Contest will choose from among any one of the following prizes:
Books: Vietnam Experience: Raising the Stakes; Vietnam Experience: America Takes Over; The Rise and Fall of an American Army; The Easter Offensive; Modern US Army weapons reference (1986); Tom Clancy's AIR CAV; FM-21-13 (Field Manual for US Army personnel - 1952; or Letters from the Sand (A compilation of letters home from WWII to the Gulf War published by the U.S. Post Office in 1991.
Miniature Gaming: A copy of Panzer Tactics, a set of rules for micro-armor battles of WWII
Board games on Vietnam: First Team (A solitaire game of the Air Cav early in Vietnam); Fallen Eagle: Battle of Khe Sanh; or Vietnam Battles: Hue and Operation Pegasus.
Computer Games: Delta Force (the original first game on the subject by Novalogic; Close Combat: A Bridge Too Far (Microsoft); or The Great Battles of Caesar by Interactive Magic.
*Some are new, some are used, some are collectibles. All are free and post paid.
We hope you will participate.
by Cpl. Glyn Hargreaves
The Marine boys are here!!
Certificate: 18/R
Running time: 121 mins.
Director: Sidney J. Furie
Starting: Stan Shaw, Michael Lembeck, James Canning, Craig Wasson,
Andrew Stevens and Lee Ermey
Year: 1978
Well where do I begin here, first let me say that from my point of view a lot of (not all) Vietnam movies that have been made seem to roll in to two categories; one they follow the Platoon route of Vietnam moving making and Liberalise the war by making out most service men to be hippy smoking soldiers or baby killers who shouldn't have been out there in the first place, (not to say Platoon is bad movie, I would rate it as one of my favourites.) Or on the other side they the fall into the right wing Green Berets mould and are sure fire Right wing xenophobic claptrap (though there are some good scenes in that movie). John Wayne getting shot down in the Huey isn't one of them though it sure is the funniest scene I've ever seen in a Nam film! Boy's in Company 'C' doesn't fall into either of those two categories.
This film is probably one of the first real war movies since Pork Chop Hill in it's genre, to show the gritty side of warfare and training. Also throwing into the ingredients a human dimension of how you can change for the better or worst in terrible situations.
The film begins with five would be or not to be recruits in 1967, just before they are signed up for the USMC. One of the characters Tyrone (Stan Shaw) is the anti-hero of the bunch, a black street dealer who is only out for himself first and foremost, and to get through it anyway he can even if it helps his trade on the street back home. Another of the main characters is Alvin the bookish kid (the film uses the narration of his diaries,) Billy Ray the Jock, Vinne the Brooklyn wise guy and Dave the draft dodger who incurs the nickname "Jesus" from the Drill Instructors because of his long hair and beard.
The first 40 minutes of the movie focuses on their training at boot camp and the building up of the relationship between the five young men. R Lee Ermey plays the D.I. who has to train the squad to be Marines and to fight. This was Ermey's first Vietnam movie of four or so that he has been in, most notably Full Metal Jacket as the demonic and sadistic drill sergeant, the sergeant himself a multi-tour US Marine Vietnam Vet!
-----> continued
by Sgt. Tom Ciampa
Affectionately
known as "The Thumpgun" the M-79 Grenade Launcher provided the
infantryman with the ability to project accurate firepower over a longer
range than was possible with the conventional rifle grenade. A single
shot, break-open weapon loaded from the breech, and shoulder fired, the
M-79 utilized the full range of 40mm grenades including high explosive,
high explosive air burst, tear gas, and smoke. It employed a blade-type
front sight and a "folding leaf" adjustable type at the rear.
The weapon was capable of engaging targets up to 100 meters (109.3 yards).
Because of its excellent balance, most grenadiers in Vietnam could hit
a foxhole up to 185 meters (200) yards without using the sight.
Statistics: Caliber 40mm, Length of Launcher 29 inches (73.7 cm.), Barrel Length 14 inches (35.6cm), Weight empty 5.99 lb. (2.72 kg)/loaded 6.5 lb. (2.95 kg), Weight of a grenade 0.610 lb. (0.277 kg), Muzzle Velocity 249 ft/sec (76 m/sec), Range 437.4 yards (400 meters) max. 383 yards (350 meters) effective for area targets, and 164 yards (150 meters) effective for point targets, Effective casualty radius 5.46 yards (5 meters), and a Rate of Fire of 5 rounds per minute. It was subsequently replaced in front line units with the M203 grenade launcher, which could be fitted to the M16 allowing each grenadier to function as a rifleman as well as a "Thumpgunner."
[References: The New
Illustrated Guide to the Modern US Army, by Tim Ripley, 1992, and The
Vietnam Experience: America Takes Over 1965-1967, by Edward Doyle and
Samuel Lipsman, 1982.]
by Sgt. Tom Ciampa
….THAT
"Music defined the 1960s and the music followed the
troops to Vietnam." So stated by Messrs. James F.Dunnigan and Albert
A. Nolfi in their very interesting book of odd and little known facts
about the War entitled, Dirty Little Secrets of the Vietnam War*
(St. Martin's Press, 1999, and the reference source for this article).
While literally hundreds of Rock n'Roll songs, ballads, and folk songs
were published and popular during the War, some were heard constantly
while American troops were stationed there. Particularly meaningful were:
The Letter (the Box Tops) indicating the importance of mail from
home; Leaving on a Jet Plane (Peter, Paul and Mary) was about that
most important event of a soldier's experience…catching his "Freedom
Bird" to leave the place. Similarly, We've Gotta Get Out of This
Place (The Animals) was a widely shared sentiment of the boys in the
bush, and The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) was popular because
San Francisco was the last part of America many soldiers saw. And, with
it, of course I Left My Heart in San Francisco (Tony Bennett) was
immediately adopted by all troops serving in Southeast Asia. Credence
Clearwater Revival put out many songs that became popular early, their
lyrics ringing true, among them Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising.
Dozens and dozens of songs were produced during that era evoking the spirit
of the boys, the times, and its tragedies by many, many artists and groups
such as: Jimi Hendrix, The Fifth Dimension, The Rolling Stones, The Surpremes,
Shondells, and The Loving Spoonful to name just a few. Although stating
that a formal study of the music specifically relating to the War has
never really been compiled, this clever little book does a great job,
in just a few pages, of providing a snapshot of that nostalgic-evoking
media…music. Music,which has formed a benchmark of the era not to
mention the background soundtracks for just about, every movie about Vietnam
ever made.
….THAT Pay during Vietnam was the last war in which America's ordinary soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen were paid what was essentially a token sum. In fact, in terms of cost of living, it wasn't a whole lot different than their fathers and uncles made during WWII. A Private (E-2) in 1969 made a base pay of $127.80 per month. [Editor's note: After boot camp in 1967 as an E-2, my pay after taxes was $88.00 per month. And interestingly enough, living in the barracks, no car, no need for much in the way of "civies" with beer at ten cents a glass and cigerettes at $1.50 a cartoon, I actually had money leftover to loan to 1st Class Petty Officers and Chiefs! at Six-for-Five…I loaned them five and they paid back six…wasn't a bad racket!]. In contrast, by 1996 the son or daughter of a Vietnam Vet in the service was making twice as much.
….THAT about 260,000 women served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War, about 3% of the total personnel in uniform. While it is not possible to determine how many women actually served "in country" during the War, it was certainly in the thousands, counting only military women. And there were probably over ten thousand if one counts the numerous civilian women who worked for various agencies, relief organizations, the media, and religious groups. The "official" Defense Department figure is 7,456 but is in question because it doesn't jive with individual branch figures which puts it at more like 10,000.
Next Issue…more
from Dunnigan and Nolfi….beginning with: Tigers, Elephants, Poisonous
Reptiles and Determined Vermin…
The Dogs of War
by Sgt. Tom Ciampa
The US armed forces, like in World War II and Korea, used a lot of dogs in Vietnam. Most served as sentries at base camps and airports. Frequently they were also used as scouts on patrol with soldiers in the bush. Less frequently, but nevertheless so employed, they were also used to detect mines, track enemy patrols, clear tunnels, and sniff out drugs. The latter, I am sure didn't make Fido very popular in some camps and hooches.
Dogs
recruited for service had to meet high standards and interestingly enough
the more aggressive and ferocious breeds were actually considered unsuitable
for military use. Like so many other boots, K-9s trained mostly at Fort
Benning, Georgia for six months before being sent to Vietnam. There seems
to be no official statistics on known casualties of dogs that served.
And sadly, especially for their handlers, most of the dogs were left behind
at the end of the war. They had, by then, acquired many local parasites
that made it impossible for them to enter the United States.
As an aside, get this. Even less commonly known than dogs being used in the Vietnam War is the role that certain marine animals played in the war. Before the war the navy had begun to train seals and dolphins to perform various underwater missions (Remember the George C. Scott movie, The Day of the Dolphin, 1973?). Training was conducted for sentry duty, searching for enemy divers, mine detection, and delivering explosive charges. As with the dogs, the statistics on numbers, if known, of marine animals deployed to Vietnam are not recorded, or available to the public, nor is their effectiveness. Apparently, however, the navy was pleased with whatever the results were as it is reported that they continue to use seals and dolphins for such missions, most recently during the Gulf War. The source also claims that we are experimenting with small whales.
Can you say ASPCA* three times
fast?
(*American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Woof, woof!!
[Source: Dirty Little Secrets
of the Vietnam War, by James F. Dunnigan & Albert A. Nofi, 1999]
Question: What U.S Military M.O.S had the highest K.I.A percentage during the Vietnam War? *
[*Editor's Note: You also have to be up on your "Acro-NYM-mania" to understand this question! <G>]
The first email from a Modern Battles Club member only please to reach me at tciampa@nycap.rr.com with the correct answer will receive a prize shipped anywhere in the world compliments of the LOD editor. Entries must be received by September 1st. The answer and the prize awarded will be announced in the September issue of the LOD.
(See also: Prizes Offered for the
Trivia Contest; Update to
Trivia Contest)
by Sgt. Tom Ciampa, PL, 1st Platoon
You may have noted that this column was previously entitled "Squad News" in our first issue of LOD. It has now be renamed simply "NEWS" and all club unit squad leaders wishing to contribute noteworthy items will be invited to prepare their comments in this format, with their own unit sub-heading. Squad Leaders, please make your submissions to the editor by the 15th of the month of our current bi-monthly publication schedule. This is an open call and contributions received will be published. So if you wish your squad represented it is up to you to submit your unit news.
It seems that the US Army 173D's 1st Squad had outgrown its britches as a result of a successful recruitment program, and according to club rules, exceeded the 12 member limit for a squad. Therefore as of mid-June, the 1st PLATOON, of Charlie Company, was officially christened and now consists of 1st Squad, led by Pfc. Tom Konczal, and 2nd Squad led by Pfc. John Collins. This is also the perfect sequi to speak for the Club Cabinet as well as myself as 1st Platoon leader of the 173D to extend both congratulations and our appreciation to Konczal and Collins for coming forward to take over administration of the two squads. The need arose when yours truly was promoted to Platoon Leader and hence the rank of Sergeant and these vets of Charlie Company answered the call. In creating the first platoon, we have also expanded the club's career ladder and hopefully as the MBC continues to grow, we shall see opportunities for others to rise through the ranks and assume helpful administrative roles.
The past few months has seen the award of numerous new decorations and awards to 1st Platoon members for battles won and lost, recruiting, training and, a new theater of campaigning (upon the advent of the release of Fulda Gap '85 by HPS Simulations). Particularly noteworthy, albeit of dubious honor, is the first club award of an additional cluster to my own Purple Heart. Another new record shamelessly established!
It is also my official honor as platoon leader to announce the enlistment of new members Pvt. Gary Hoover, Pvt. Art Ozols and Pvt. Al Amos to Charlie Company and the club. Good luck fellows, and help win the war!
US Army 173D 1st Squad
by PFC Tom Konczal, SL, 1st Squad
Everyone in 1st Squad faithfully mustered in and are busy currently playing club games, either battles or maneuvers. PFC Rich Hamilton is involved in a multi-player game of the SB system, and I hope he will let us know how the mechanics of turn play worked out at the conclusion of the game so we can interest others in starting multi-player games. Newbie Al Amos deserves great praise in the way he has enthusiastically taken on all opponents. While his kill to friendly loss ratio is still on the negative side, he has "won" his first draw - so congratulations!!! I (Squad Leader Tom Konczal) am currently working my way through the ENTIRE Vietnam War with Dierk Walter as my opponent and have just finished the third Tour of Duty Campaign against Sam Moon with two more left to go. I am going to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas for R&R (my stepdaughter's wedding) tomorrow and will lock and load upon my return on the 17th. Good Hunting to all in my absence.
US Army 173D 2nd Squad
by PFC John Collins, SL 2nd Squad
The 2nd squad received a few
veteran 1st Platoon members when it was formed, myself, Pvt. Dan Bottemanne,
and Pvt Ted Pritchard. Both Dan and Ted are staying involved with the
club, answering muster calls and playing in club games. Upon creation,
we were given several "boots" straight out of basic, Pvts Hoover,
Ozols, and Char. Unfortunately, on their first night at the reception
center, after being assigned units, Pvt Char wandered off into the night
and hasn't been seen or heard from since. The good news is that Pvts Hoover
and Ozols are both getting into the club and have played either maneuvers
or battles. Art Ozols is currently "tactically relocating" to
Pennsylvania from the Midwest, and as a result has had to slow down his
gaming, but he looks forward to settling down and resuming the maneuver
game he and I are playing. Gary Hoover has gotten involved in a few firefights
already and had earned his CIB. It is great to see their names on the
boards posting for fights and taking part in the club discussions. Recently
we received another soldier, but by no means a boot. Recruit Scott Davies
actually served in the Fulda Gap with the US Army, so I'm really hoping
he gets involved with contributing his experiences and knowledge to the
club. Scott joined to play Fulda, and has the interest, so I think he'll
be a great addition to our squad. As for myself, I'm fighting one by one
through each scenario of TOD with Binh Nhi Nikos Panagiotou of the VC
squad, who I play pretty much exclusively, and am learning Fulda by attempting
to stave of Dierk Walter's attacks in the first scenario. Summer is always
a slower time for gaming for me, with family activities, vacation, and
such. This year is no exception.
The Line of Demarcation is the Journal of the Modern Battles Club, a member of the International Wargame Club. ©Dierk Walter 2002. Please address contributions to the editor-in-chief, Thomas D. Ciampa.
Or: a 53-year-old dog can be taught new tricks!
by PFC Tom Konczal
Well, since I wrote the article
on helicopter tactics in the last newsletter, I had the occasion to fight
the Battle of My Loc-2 (Tour of Duty) in Two Person Hot Seat mode against
a friend of mine in our miniatures club. As the US player, I was overjoyed
to see the arrival on Turn 2 of my reinforcements - two ACH-47A Chinook
helicopters loaded to the brim with Ordinance. My opponent was not amused!
I should stress that this map is a very small one,
reminiscent of the types of maps used in the Air Cavalry Campaign on Tour
of Duty.
Needless to say, I used the
Konczal method of unloading all of the helo's ordinance, then dancing
around to remove the "hovering" status from the helicopter before
moving on to the second helicopter. It worked like a charm for the first
few turns. Then, from nowhere, a "golden bee-bee" from an RPD
took out my first chopper. Needless to say, even after I captured the
objective and killed most of the enemy, I still suffered a defeat. Those
big helos are worth too many points to the enemy. But then, something
even more important occurred right after that. I was so mad, I unloaded
the second helo's armament into that RPD. Being afraid of losing the second
helo, I left it where it was in a hovering state. When my opponent's started
his turn, to
the surprise of both of us, the helo was not in hovering mode.
I have playtested this in dual manual mode to make sure that this finding is correct. It is! Therefore, after you have unloaded your ordinance, even if you are then in hover mode, do not move that unit further merely to remove the "hover" status if you are happy with its placement. The A/I will not fire at that helo any more during your turn if you do not move the helo and the "hover" status will be gone at the beginning of your opponents turn.
I know that some of you may
find this revelation, as "gamey" but I believe each side should
be able to take advantage of how the game operates when developing strategies
to win the battle. Furthermore, I wanted to rescind those parts of my
earlier article that cautioned you to keep moving to remove the "hover"
status.
Now Lock n' Load and get back to the games!
(The Boys in Company 'C' - continued)
The training they are given
is shown to have a purpose and not just to be some harsh punishment as
in some other Nam movies. Ermey's character is shown to be a hard taskmaster
but a fair one and is given a human side unlike in FMJ.
As fate would have it they end up on their way to Nam, and during the trip the company captain has them learn the game of football (sorry, Soccer to you heathens) to teach them to think like the Vietnamese they are going to fight. Through a series of encounters with his own men and the enemy the captain shows his bad judgement and ineptitude for the command of the Company. All five characters have problems with their superior officer which brings Tyrone to point of murder as he can't stand to see any more of his comrades killed or blamed for anthing. The only officer Tyrone respects is his lieutenant who views the captain in the same light.
The last part of the movie is the soccer match against their fellow allies, the South Vietnamese, which brings everything to a head.
I don't understand why this film wasn't as big as some of the other Vietnam dramas (The Deer Hunter etc,) maybe because it was advertised as a sort of black comedy like the MASH movie during its release or it didn't have a big star. Sure it has its hilarious moments but behind that there is something more powerful working that haunts you way after you have watched it and a big star would have detracted from the story. Stan Shaw and R L Emery (a much superior role than his FMJ guise and probably a truer one) are the standouts of this film, and it should have made Stan Shaw star.
There is no thumping 60s-rock track to place the movie in its time context. It doesn't need that. One view is that this is the Vietnam movie that all other Vietnam flicks are based on or have copied from such as FMJ, Platoon, etc. I think the message the film is trying to put across is that the soldier in Vietnam survived more because of luck than his actions, and the enemy aren't always the guys shooting at you.
9/10
Should available on Video still if you look out for it.