Did Viet Cong use child soldiers?

[29]). Against this background, children as young as 13 and 14 were involved in the armed struggle, learning guerrilla warfare tactics and killing both American and South Vietnamese soldiers. Some were trained to be informants.

What happened to children in the Vietnam War?

These war babies – known as Amerasians — were called names like “children of the dust” and “half-breeds.” Many of them were abandoned by their mothers – dropped off at orphanages or even thrown into trash cans — amid fears they would be attacked by the Communist government.

Why was Charlie used in Vietnam?

American soldiers referred to the Viet Cong as Victor Charlie or V-C. “Victor” and “Charlie” are both letters in the NATO phonetic alphabet. “Charlie” referred to communist forces in general, both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese.

Why do they use child soldiers?

Many children are forced to join military groups at a young age. Child soldiers are also easier to manipulate and force into conflict. Recruiters typically target children from troubled areas or conflict zones, likely accustomed to violence and with fewer educational or work opportunities.

Why do child soldiers fight?

In many cases, children choose to join as a result of economic or social pressures. Others join armed forces to fight for a cause that they or their family support, often with little clear understanding of the implications of their decision.

Who were the Vietcong kids?

The Viet Cong were Vietnamese rebels in the South who fought against the Southern Vietnam government and the United States. North and South Vietnam were divided at the 17th parallel.

What happened to the Vietnamese orphans?

The massacres that President Ford had feared never took place, but the Communists who came south after 1975 to govern a reunited Vietnam were hardly benevolent rulers. Many orphanages were closed, and Amerasians and other youngsters were sent off to rural work farms and re-education camps.

How many orphanages are there in Vietnam?

Half of all Vietnamese are under 15 years old. Of the 879,715 orphans, only 20,000 are in registered orphanages supported by the Government, American aid private agencies.

What does Viet Cong stand for?

Vietnamese communist
These authors tell readers that “Viet Cong” — meaning “Vietnamese communist” — was a pejorative term invented by officers of the United States Information Agency.