Did conscripts have to go to Vietnam?

If their birth date was drawn, they might be subject to 2 years of continuous full-time service in the regular army, followed by 3 years part-time service in the Army Reserve. As part of their duty, national service men on full-time duty were liable for ‘special overseas service’, including combat duties in Vietnam.

How were Australian conscripts chosen for Vietnam?

The ballot Selection for military service by ballot had been introduced with the approval of Cabinet in 1957 for an earlier national service scheme, and the selection procedures adopted then were unchanged. Numbered marbles, each representing two birthdates, were placed in a barrel.

Why were Australian troops sent to Vietnam?

On 29 April 1965 Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced in parliament that Australia would send a battalion of combat troops to Vietnam. The decision was motivated by a desire to strengthen strategic relations with the United States and to halt the spread of communism in South-East Asia.

How many conscripts were sent to Vietnam?

63,735 national servicemen served in the Army, of whom 15,381 were deployed to Vietnam. Approximately 200 were killed.

Was Australia involved in the Vietnam War?

The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962 was the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Australia’s participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.

Was national service compulsory in Australia?

Since Federation, the Australian Government has implemented compulsory military service four times. Universal Service Scheme 1909-1929. The Legislation established compulsory naval or military training for all Australian males between the ages of 12 and 26 who were British subjects.

When did Australia stop sending troops to Vietnam?

11 January 1973
Australia’s participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973. The only combat troops remaining in Vietnam were a platoon guarding the Australian embassy in Saigon, which was withdrawn in June 1973.

Did Australian soldiers fight in Vietnam?

From the time of the arrival of the first members of the Team in 1962 almost 60,000 Australians, including ground troops and air force and navy personnel, served in Vietnam; 521 died as a result of the war and over 3,000 were wounded.