Video: Explaining the differing perspectives on the French army vs. Vietnam’s people’s army.
Uncle Ho’s Soldiers: The Timeless Strength of the Vietnam People’s Army
Discover “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers”—the powerful symbol and selfless spirit of the Vietnam People’s Army. Explore their historical journey, from wartime sacrifices to their crucial role in national development, defense, and international peacekeeping efforts.
SPECIAL OUTLINE
Get an immediate grasp of our article’s core and structure through these key highlights:
Understand the profound meaning behind the moniker “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers”, emphasizing their origins from and unwavering loyalty to the people and the Party.
Explore their unyielding will and boundless sacrifices during wartime, detailing their creative tactics, close bond with the populace, and pivotal roles in historic victories.
Discover their evolving contributions in peacetime, including maintaining combat readiness, participating in socio-economic development, and serving as a vanguard force in disaster response and mass mobilization.
Unveil their crucial roles in protecting national borders and islands, alongside their growing involvement in international peacekeeping operations.
HONOR THE ENDURING SPIRIT AND UNPARALLELED DEDICATION OF UNCLE HO’S SOLDIERS, A TIMELESS SYMBOL OF VIETNAM’S NATIONAL HEROISM AND RESILIENCE!
Now, Let’s explore the inspiring details of the Vietnam People’s Army – their journey from wartime heroes to pillars of peace and national development!
1. “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” – A Symbol of Strength From and For the People
“Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” (Bộ đội Cụ Hồ) is the cherished and proud moniker for the Vietnam People’s Army. This symbol represents not only military might but also the spirit of “originating from the people, fighting for the people.” From the arduous days of war for independence and freedom to the current era of peace and development, these soldiers of Uncle Ho have consistently upheld their vow: “Loyalty to the Party, filial piety to the People.” They are a vanguard force, not only proficient in military affairs but also skilled in economic development, always ready to extend their help to every village, hamlet, border region, and island to care for and steadfastly protect the peaceful and happy lives of the people. The saying: “Where there is difficulty, there are Uncle Ho’s Soldiers; where there is a need, there is a soldier immediately,” remains an eternal truth and the clearest testament to their noble qualities.
The genuine, happy smiles of Vietnamese soldiers helping the people.
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2. “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in Wartime: Unyielding Will and Boundless Sacrifice
During the prolonged resistance wars against colonialists and imperialists, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers penned glorious chapters in history, demonstrating the extraordinary power of an army born from the people, fighting for the people:
The Spirit of “Determined to Die for the Survival of the Fatherland”: From resounding victories like Dien Bien Phu, the 1968 Tet Offensive, to the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign of 1975, Uncle Ho’s soldiers always led the charge, undaunted by hardship or sacrifice, ready to face bombs and bullets, overcoming countless challenges to achieve ultimate victory.
Creative Tactics of “Defeating the Many with the Few, the Strong with the Weak”: Based on the principles of people’s warfare, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers innovated many unique and flexible tactics, turning weaknesses into strengths, forcing powerful enemies to defeat. This was a harmonious blend of conventional and guerrilla warfare, offense and defense, combat and construction.
Close-knit Relationship with the People: During the war, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers were always sheltered, nurtured, and embraced by the people. The military-civilian bond, like fish and water, was a crucial factor in creating combined strength—the source of all victories. The image of soldiers helping farmers with harvests, carrying rice, transporting ammunition, or sacrificing themselves to protect every inch of their homeland is deeply etched in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.
Overcoming Unimaginable Hardships: Despite severe shortages of weapons, food, and medical supplies, facing overwhelming enemy firepower and military technology, the unyielding will, fervent patriotism, and belief in victory helped Uncle Ho’s Soldiers overcome everything. Millions of outstanding sons and daughters fell, dedicating their youth for the nation’s independence and freedom.
Vietnamese military personnel actively assist villagers in navigating flooded areas.
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3.“Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in Peacetime: Nation Building and Defense
With the nation at peace, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers have continuously transformed, continuing to uphold the “People’s Soldiers” qualities in the cause of national construction and development:
Training and Enhancing Professional Skills:
Training and Combat Readiness: Even without the sound of gunfire, units maintain intensive training, mastering modern weapons and equipment, enhancing combat proficiency, and staying ready to counter any threats to national independence, sovereignty, and interests.
Military Modernization: Absorbing new technologies, mastering advanced equipment (as seen in the Navy, Air Force, and Ground Forces), building a regular, elite, and progressively modern Vietnam People’s Army.
Participating in Socio-Economic Development and “Excelling in Economic Activities”:
Many military units directly participate in production, building key economic infrastructure, and developing national defense economic zones, especially in remote, border, and island areas. They not only contribute to GDP growth but also create jobs and improve local people’s livelihoods.
The Military Telecommunications Group (Viettel) is the most compelling testament to the “economic prowess” of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers in peacetime. Starting as a military enterprise, Viettel has not only become Vietnam’s leading telecommunications and technology group but has also strongly expanded into international markets. Viettel has successfully invested and operated in over 10 countries worldwide, primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, serving hundreds of millions of customers. Viettel’s international presence and success not only generate revenue and profit but also contribute to affirming Vietnam’s technological capabilities, prestige, and standing on the international stage. This is a great source of pride, showing that the will, resilience, and creativity of soldiers are not limited to the training ground but also strongly thrive on the economic front.
Infrastructure Development: Besides Viettel, many other military units also participate in building roads, bridges, schools, and health stations, especially in difficult areas, contributing to changing the face of rural areas.
Vanguard Force in Mass Mobilization, Search and Rescue, and Disaster Response:
“Where there is difficulty, there are Uncle Ho’s Soldiers; where there is a need, there is a soldier immediately”: This is not just a slogan but practical action. When natural disasters or epidemics strike, such as storms, floods, landslides, or major pandemics (like the COVID-19 pandemic), Uncle Ho’s Soldiers are always the frontline force. Soldiers fearlessly face dangers, directly confronting hardships, and silently sacrificing to carry out search and rescue missions, evacuate people, provide food, medicine, and overcome consequences. The image of soldiers wading through floodwaters, traversing forests to rescue people, or manning checkpoints during epidemics has become familiar and deeply ingrained in the heart of every Vietnamese person, testifying to the unbreakable bond and indispensable role of the military in all circumstances.
Caring for the People’s Lives: Organizing free medical examinations, building gratitude houses, helping people alleviate hunger and reduce poverty, and teaching children in mountainous and border areas. The military-civilian bond remains intact, even deeper in peacetime.
Protecting Borders and Islands: Constantly stationed at the front lines, guarding every inch of sacred land and sea of the Fatherland, while also serving as a firm support for fishermen and residents living in border and island regions.
Participating in International Peacekeeping:
Vietnamese soldiers are demonstrating their responsibility on the international stage through United Nations peacekeeping operations. Vietnamese officers, doctors, and combat engineers with “blue helmets” have been present in hotspots like South Sudan and the Central African Republic, contributing to global peace and stability, while learning and sharing valuable experiences. This affirms the growing prestige and standing of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers in the eyes of international friends.
Military supporting COVID-19 prevention and control.
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4. Enduring Spirit of Vietnam’s National Heroes
From “splitting the Truong Son Range to save the country” to the steadfast steps on the path of national construction and international integration, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers have always been the most beautiful image, the living symbol of Vietnam’s revolutionary heroism. Whether in wartime or peacetime, Uncle Ho’s Soldiers have upheld the noble quality of “born from the people, fighting for the people,” truly deserving to be the core force protecting the Fatherland and caring for the people’s happiness, the “soul” of the Vietnam People’s Army.
