Customer Reviews

The NVA and Viet Cong (Elite)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is another great little book from Osprey. It really gives the reader a grounded understanding of how our North Vietnamese adversaries fought and organized. Its one of those little books that armchair historians, like myself, might recommend others read if they care to better understand what the US military faced in Vietnam. And, as with all Osprey's offerings, the illustrations are "must have" resources for military artists, collectors, and 1/6th scale modellers, like me. This book lost a fifth star from me only for not including more illustrations of PAVN (NVA) equipment and PLAF (VC) battle dress. It cried out for a good illustration of VC "pajamas", sandals, and indigeneous head gear. I could have used some more views of web gear and small arms as well. The lack of pictures of the various RPGs and related gear was in my mind an oversite. I am an avid reader of military history and a 1/6th scale modeller. I read the Osprey series of books religiously and recommend that all others who share my interests do as well.

One of the few resources available on a potent military that proved a formidable adversary to US forces. Along with a brief history of operations against France, Japan, America, South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos this book covers evolution of the PAVN/PLAF forces, uniform changes, select rank and insignia, and the ever useful Osprey color plate section. There is also organizational data on certain army formations.

Only complaint; This could probably have been done as two parts, focused on either the PAVN or PLAF, and maybe not cover so much timeframe. (Osprey is generally more focused period-wise nowadays) The book has very little information on the VC themselves.

Makes a good companion to;
The U.S. Infantryman in Vietnam (Battery Press), 0-89839-071-0