Vietnam -- The soldier's experience

The commitment of Australian forces to combat in South Vietnam in 1965 ultimately had far-reaching effects on Australian society. This activity gives participants an insight into the war from the point of view of Australian servicemen.

Working through the activity

This activity consists of an initial requirement to record 'brainstormed' ideas about the war, followed by exposure to brief written personal accounts and images. At the end of the activity, participants are asked to provide a revised idea of their Vietnam War perceptions. The activity is completely self-contained within a single, 17 page Acrobat™ file (938kb). 

All that needs to be done is to download the Acrobat™ file, and distribute it in print form to activity participants.

For more information about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, click here (opens in new window).

Curriculum Guide

Australia in the Vietnam War is a topic for study in:

  • ACT: Studies of society and environment 
    Time, continuity and change

  • NSW: 7–10 History, Stage 5, Topic 5 Australia in the Vietnam War era

  • NT: Studies of society and environment 
    Time, continuity and change Band 4/5

  • Qld: Years 9 & 10 History Time, continuity and change

  • SA: Society and environment 
    Time, continuity and change Bands 4/5

  • Tas: Essential Learnings Thinking: Inquiry, Reflective Social responsibility: Understanding the past and creating preferred futures

  • Vic: History, Level 6

  • WA: Time, continuity and change

[Return to CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES]