NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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volunteers. These units are diluted nearly 59 percent by native Indochinese. The Associated States Forces are composed of varieties of native Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians. The whole effect is that of a heterogeneous force among whom even basic communication is difficult. Troops require a variety of clothe sizes and diets. They have different religious customs, folkways and mores. They vary in their capacity for different tasks and terrain. Logistically, a great problem exists in the support of such troops.
On the other hand, the Rebels are mostly Vietnamese recruited largely from the hardy stocks of Tonkin and Annam. They are a truly homogenous army whose capabilities and requirements remain more or less consistent.
The MDAP equipment furnished the French Air Force of Indochina h as converted it into a modern air arm ca.p able of performing its combat mission in a highly satisfactory manner. It is an effective offensive or defensive combat weapon, the full potential of which has not been realized.
NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE
a. French Forces: All French Army personnel in Indochina are serving in the Regular Army. The draftee in France is not required by law to serve in Indochina. However, he may volunteer for such duty. The period of service in Indochina war as formerly 24 months, but due to a shortage of replacements, the period currently is extended to 27 months. French personnel receive substantial increases in pay for service in Indochina.
b. Vietnamese Forces: The original law which drafted man for military service required all physically fit males to undergo a period of service for 60 days. Until April 1953, this law was not strictly enforced. In April, it became, with minor changes, the basis for the ordinance drafting 40,000 men for duty with Kinh Quan battalions. Personnel are inducted into the army for the duration. They are selected on the basis of the it family situation. Single men are taken first. A man enlisting for the Regular Array is taken on a trial basis for one year. At the end of one year, and if his service has proven satisfactory, he can reenlist for a period of one, two, three or four years. Recently, the draft law have been more vigorously enforced to eliminate draft dodging.
INTER-SERVICE BALANCE OF FORCES IN INDOCHINA
While the majority of resources are devoted to ground operations, the following factors must be considered:
a. The enemy has no air forces or naval forces other than junks and sampans.
b. Friendly ground forces maintain a large proportion of river squadrons and light aviation units.
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