Lực lượng dân quân tự vệ miền bắc việt nam trong thời kỳ chống chiến tranh phá hoại của đế quốc mỹ (1965 1973) tt tiếng anh

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

NGO HOANG NAM

THE NORTH VIETNAM MILITIA FORCES
DURING THE PERIOD AGAINST THE DESTRUCTIVE WAR
OF THE UNITED STATES IMPERIALISTS (1965-1973)

Major: Vietnamese History
Major code: 92 29 013

SUMMARY OF THE THESIS

HANOI - 2019


NgưThe disertion is comp
The PhD Thesis is completed at:
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

at:
GRADUATE AC
ADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Quang Hai

Reviewer 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Xuan Ly

Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ha

Reviewer 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc

The thesis will be defended in front of the Committee at Graduate Academy of Social
Sciences - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

On

/

/

2019

The Dissertion can be found at:
Vietnam National Library
Library of Graduate Academy of Social Sciences.


LIST OF THE AUTHOR’S PUBLICATION RELATING TO THE
DISSERTATION
1.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2016), Contributions of Ha - Nam - Ninh militia forces in the national
resistance struggle; In the book “Nationwide Resistance - The will to protect
independence, freedom and historical lessons (December 19, 1946 - December 19,
2016). National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2016.

2.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2017), A brief description of Nam Ha's militia forces during the
struggle against the destructive war (1965-1968), Journal of Military History, No.

312 (12-2017).

3.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2017), The role of the militia and guerrilla forces in Tuyen Quang
province in the victory in the Viet Bac campaign in the autumn- winter season of
1947; In the book “Tuyen Quang province in the victory campaign in the autumnwinter season of 1947, Tuyen Quang, 2017.

4.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2018), North Vietnam militia forces with the air defense tasks,
1965-1968, Journal of Archives, No. 4-2018.

5.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2018), The role of the North Vietnam militia forces during the years
against the first destructive war (1965-1968), Journal of Historical Studies, No. 52018.

6.

Ngo Hoang Nam (2018), The North Vietnam militia forces on the waterway transport
guarantee front (1967-1973), Journal of Vietnamese Communist Studies, No. 7-2018.


INTRODUCTION
1. The meaning of the thesis
Through thousands of years of building and protecting the country, the Vietnamese
people have implemented “ca nuoc chung suc”, “tram ho deu la binh” movements or policy of
“ngu binh u nong” to organize forces against enemies. Inheriting the tradition of organizing
the national forces to fight enemies, right from the establishment of the Party, it has set a

policy of “quan doi cong nong”, “vu trang cong nong”, organize “doi tu ve cong nong” to
fight enemies. During the radical revolution of 1930-1931, the red self-defense (Tu ve do)
teams were born and developed, becoming a core force to protect the movement of the masses
and revolutionary establishments. On March 28, 1935, the First Congress of the Party passed
the “Resolution on Self-Defense forces” (Nghi quyet doi tu ve) in Macau (China), marking
the birth of the militia forces after that. After being officially established, the militia forces
contribute to the victory of the August Revolution in 1945. During the two resistance wars
against French colonialism (1945-1954) and the US imperialism (1954-1975), militia forces
spread widely, always played an important role in combat, combat coordination and serving
combat, contributing to defeat two invading empires, defending revolutionary achievements.
During the resistance war against the United States imperialism (1954-1975), the
militia forces have played an important role, both in production and combat and available
battle screen, combined with grassroots security forces to maintain social order, political
security, and acted as a core for the local people’s movement to fight the enemy. When the
US imperialist expanded the destructive war by air and navy forces to the North (1965-1973),
the North militia forces had just fought, produced and actively served combat, coordinating
closely with local troops, main forces, public order and security ensure, arresting pilots,
commandos, spies, contributing to defeat two the destructive wars of the US imperialist. The
period 1965-1973 was the peak development period of North militia forces in terms of
organization and force building. The North Vietnam militia forces have achieved many
achievements in combat, combat coordination and combat service has affirmed its position
and an important role as a part of the three-armed armed forces (the main force, local troops,
militia and guerrillas). Affirming the role and strength of the North militia forces, President
Ho Chi Minh pointed out: “The militia and guerrilla forces are the forces of the whole nation,
a champion force, the iron wall of the country, no matter how fierce the enemy is to touch that
force, that wall every enemy must disintegrate”.
Even in peacetime, militia forces still hold an important role in protecting the Party,
government, livehoods and property of the State and people. Militia forces is a core force, an
ambassador to participate in the development of economic construction in localities,
establishments and agencies, factories, enterprises and industrial parks. At the same time,

militia forces also contribute to building a national defense posture that is closely tied to the
people’s security posture, coordinating with police and other forces against the enemy's
sabotage plans, preventing social evils, disaster prevention,... to ensure safety for people.
Research on the North militia forces has been concerned by domestic and foreign
researchers in many different aspects and perspectives. However, until now, it has not been a
comprehensive and systematic research on North militia forces during the period against the
destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973). To further clarify the important
role and contribution of North militia forces this period needs studying systematically,
comprehensively and depthly on organizational structure, force building, training work,
weapons and equipment, combat and combat service.

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In the context of the current situation of the world and the region, there are still many
complicated developments, potentially many uncertain and unpredictable factors, along with
the emergence of many types of war and new combat methods. In the Asia-Pacific region,
territorial, maritime and island disputes continue to take place. For Vietnam, hostile forces are
still implementing a strategy of “peaceful evolution”, violent overthrow, use of “democratic”
and “human rights” movements to overthrow the socialist regime. In this context, militia
forces is still a strategic force, widespread and an important part to firmly protect the
fatherland. The experience from the operation of the militia forces during the period against
the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973) is still intacted, contributing
to the construction of the current militia forces to ensure a stable defense position in the
construction and defense of the country.
In these meanings, the research on militia forces during the period against the
destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973) has a scientific meaning and
practical value. Therefore, the author decided to choose the topic “The North Vietnam militia
forces during the period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists (19651973)” as a thesis.
2. Research purposes and aims of the dissertation

2.1. Research purposes
Comprehensive and systematic research on the process of construction and operation of
militia forces in North Vietnam from 1965 to 1973.
2.2. Research aims
On the basis of the above objectives, the thesis deals with the following tasks:
- An overview of previous researches.
- Analyzing the historical context, the conspiracy to conduct the destructive war of the
United States imperialists; To address the policy of the Party, Military Commission of the
Central, Ministry of Defense on organizing and building militia forces from 1965 to 1973.
- To present the process of construction, equipment, training and tasks of militia forces
from 1965 to 1973.
- To present the activities of the militia forces from 1965 to 1973 on combat (Including
fighting, serving soldiers fighting, catching pilots) and combat service (including air defense
evacuating, ensuring transportation, ensuring order and security, participating in production
labor, taking part in overcoming the consequences of war).
- Addressing the characteristics, clarifying achievements, limitations and drawing
experiences from practical activities of militia forces in North Vietnam from 1965 to 1973.
3. Research subject and Scope of the thesis
3.1. Research subjects
The militia forces of the North Vietnam from 1965 to 1973.
The militia forces, mass armed forces, a member of the three forces of the Vietnamese
people’s armed forces, which function as both productive and fighting and ready to fight,
combined with grassroots security forces maintain social order and political security in the
locality; is the strategic force of the people’s war, which is the core for the local peoplefighting movement. Organized according to the requirements of the task of revolutionary
struggle, resistance, construction and protection of the country, militia forces is led directly by
the party committee, local authorities, leading and directing the local military commanders.
direct command.
In particular, the militia is a part of militia forces organized in communes, wards and
townships, serving as the core for all people to fight the enemy, having the task of protecting
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the Party and local authorities; fighting and serving combat such as making roads,
transporting wounded soldiers, transporting food, ammunition, protecting and organizing
evacuation for people. Self-defense is a part of militia forces organized in state agencies, nonbusiness units, economic organizations, political organizations and socio-political
organizations. It is tasked to protect the Party and the government, protect the life and
property of the state and the people at their bases; fighting and serving to fight, maintaining
order and security in the area.
3.2. Research scope
About time: From 1965 to 1973.
The thesis selected the milestone in 1965 as the year when the United States
imperialists officially conducted the first North destructive war (February 7, 1965); The year
of 1973 was a point to end of the second North destructive war (January 15, 1973).
About space: The entire territory and territorial waters of North Vietnam (from parallel
17 abow), in which, the thesis focuses on presenting mainly militia forces in localities located
in key areas of raiding US’s aircraft such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa,
Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh.
About content: The thesis focuses on studying the process of organizing and building
militia forces; Presenting activities of militia forces in the areas of combat and combat service
(including: shooting aircraft and warships of American; co-operation
with soldiers
fighting and catching pilots), and serving combat (including: organizing air-defense
evacuation; transportation ensure, order and security ensure, participate in production labor,
take part in overcoming the consequences of war); List achievements, limitations and causes;
Describe the characteristics and draw some experiences from the practical activities of North
Vietnam militia forces from 1965 to 1973.
4. Research methods and resources
Rationale: The theoretical basis of the thesis is Marxism and Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s
ideology, the views and guidelines of the Party, Military Commission of the Central and the
Ministry of Defense on the methods of people’s war and war revolution, armed forces.

Research Methods:
The main research method used in the thesis is historical and logical method.
The historical method aims to systematically and comprehensively reconstruct the
process of construction and operation of the militia forces of North Vietnam from 1965 to
1973 according to historical process, right time and space frame. Using logical methods to
clarify the nature of phenomena, causes - results, giving objective awareness about militia
forces in the period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973);
On that basis, it is necessary to evaluate and assess the reality of militia forces objectively on
the basis of historical events and phenomena, find out the indispensable and inherent rules to
clarify achievements and limitations and draw some experience from the operation of militia
forces in the North of Vietnam during the period against the destructive war of the United
States imperialists.
Besides, the thesis also uses other methods such as synthesizing, statistics, analyzing,
comparing, surveying field surveys, interviewing witnesses... to study the content of the
thesis. .
Document source: Resources are mainly exploited at the Military Library, National
Library, library and museums of North provinces of Vietnam. Focus on resources at the
National Archives Center III, Department of Defense Archives Center.

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5. The contribution of the thesis
- The thesis systematizes the source of data on destructive war and North militia forces.
- The thesis is the first research project to restore a comprehensive and systematic
picture of the construction and operation of militia forces in the North Vietnam during the
period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973).
- The thesis contributes to affirm the position and role of militia forces during the
period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists. In doing that, the thesis is
to bring into play the role of the militia forces in the cause of national building and defense.

- The thesis is a reference document for research and understanding of militia forces in
the resistance war against American imperialism for national salvation. At the same time, it
contributes to provide scientific arguments for the armed forces development at present.
6. The theoretical and practical meaning of the thesis
Theoretical significance: The thesis provides scientific arguments for the study of the
organization of militia forces. Provide a theoretical basis for building armed forces in the
cause of national construction and defense.
Contribute to the scientific basis for the research and teaching of organizational
structure, training and construction of militia forces in particular and for the study of military
history, the history of resistance war against the United States, about the people war in
national construction and defense.
Practical significance: The thesis contributes to promoting the role of militia forces in
the current career of national defense. The experiences raised in the thesis have high practical
value, can be applied to the organization, construction and operation of the current militia
forces.
The theses is a document for the study and research on the North Vietnam militia
forces during the resistance war against American imperialism for national salvation.
7. The thesis’s structure
In addition to the Introduction, Conclusion, List of Reference, Appendix, the thesis’s
structure has 4 chapters:
Chapter 1: An overview of previous researches
Chapter 2: The North Vietnam militaria forces from 1965 to 1968
Chapter 3: The North Vietnam militaria forces from 1969 to 1973
Chapter 4: Comments and some historical experiences
Chapter 1
AN OVERVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCHES
1.1. An overview of the researches relating to the thesis
Researching on the resistance war against United States imperialism for national
salvation (1954-1975) in general, militia forces in the North (1965-1973) in particular attracted
many researchers at home and abroad. Many books and articles have been published, can be

divided into the following groups:
1.1.1. The researches on the resistance war against the US, the destructive war in
North Vietnam, and the struggle against the destructive war of the US imperialists
The 21-year war against the United States and the US (1954-1975) of the Vietnamese
people has been a topic attracting the attention and research of domestic and foreign
researchers. Typical as: People’s war defeated the US imperialist destructive war by authors
Van Tien Dung, Dang Tinh, Phung The Tai (People's Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1968); Catching
the enemy to drive the United States and hitting enemy planes to rescue them (People's Army
4


Publisher, Hanoi, 1972); Mastering the way of people warfare to defeat the destructive war of
the American empire (Truth Publisher, Hanoi, 1975); People’s war defeated the destructive war
of American imperialism (People's Army Publisher, Hanoi); Military Region 3 years of fighting
the US (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1989); Hanoi Capital - History of the resistance
against the US Army, saving the country (1954-1975) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1991);
Military Region IV - History of resistance against the US Army, saving the country (1954-1975)
(People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1991); Military Region 3 - History of the resistance against
the US Army, saving the country (1954-1975) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1995); History
of armed forces Military Region 2 (1946-2016) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 2016),... The
work of preventing, overcoming consequences and shooting low - altitude aircraft against the
air force's destructive war American imperialism in Hanoi (1965-1972) (People’s Army
Publisher, Hanoi, 2001); Directing the construction and combat operations of the local antiwar against US forces on the North (1954-1975). History of the resistance war against the US,
national salvation (1954-1975) consists of 9 episodes (National Political Publisher - Truth,
Hanoi); The Vietnamese history, 15 episodes (Social Sciences Publisher, Hanoi), ...
1.1.2. The researches on the militaria forces in the North during the war against the
US imperialists
Studying on militia forces in the resistance against the US Army, there have been a
number of works and articles mentioned, researched and published in various genres. Militia
defends an armed forces of the entire people (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1960); Doing

well the mountainous militia and self-defense work of Chu Van Tan (People’s Army Publisher,
Hanoi, 1962); Strategic role of the militia in the cause of fighting against America and saving
the great nation of our people (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1967); Promoting the role of
self-defense militia in the people's war to defeat the destructive war of American imperialism in
the area of Military Region of Le Van Huu, Nguyen Son Cao and Phan Minh Chau compiled
(People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1997) ; Promoting the role of militia and self-defense,
contributing to defeating the war of sabotage mainly by US air force and navy on the river and
sea front in the North (1964-1973) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1997); Summarizing the
fighting style of militia and guerrilla militia in two resistance wars against French colonialism
and American imperialism (1945-1975) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 2000); Department
of Militia and Self-Defense - Chronicle of the event (1947-2000) (People’s Army Publisher,
Hanoi, 2002); History of the Civil Defense Department (1947-2007) (People’s Army Publisher,
Hanoi, 2007); 65-year history of Vietnam Militia and Self-Defense Sector (1947 - 2012)
(People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 2012). Besides the books, topical issues, the issue of militia
forces is also published in journals and scientific seminars. Nguyen Xuan Thanh with the article
“Tien Hai Army Artillery Army Company” (Journal of Military History, No.2, 1993); Phan
Huong with the article “A brief description of artillery in the local army and militia” (Journal of
Military History, No.3, 1996); Pham Viet with the article “Air defense force of Thanh Hoa
militia and anti-sabotage war of America” ( Journal of Military History, No.2, 2001); Article
“The role of the militia force, defending Hanoi Capital in the “Dien Bien Phu tren khong” in
1972 by author Nguyen Huu Dao (Journal of Historical Research, No.8, 2012); And some
seminars such as: Vietnamese militia force 70 years of a glorious journey (March 28, 1935 March 28, 2005) (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 2005); Vietnamese militia - champion force
of the heroic nation” (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi 2015), ...
1.1.3. The researches of foreign authors on the Vietnam War relating to the topic
In some studies of foreign authors, especially those of American scholars, the Vietnam
war is mentioned quite specifically from many angles. Below are the typical works that have
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been translated into Vietnamese. Verdict on Vietnam (People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 1985);

Looking back - The tragedy and lessons about Vietnam (National Publishing House, Hanoi,
1995); The longest war of the United States (Le Phuong Thuy compiled, National Political
Publisher, Hanoi, 1998); No peace, no honor: Nixon, Kissinger and betrayal in Vietnam
(Nguyen Manh Hung translated, Vietnamese Tide published, 2003); Anatomy of a Vietnam War
(Nguyen Tan Cuu translation, People’s Army Publisher, Hanoi, 2003); Richard Nixon’s memoir
(People’s Public Security Publisher, Hanoi, 2004; Fragile Peace - Washington, Hanoi and the
process of the Paris Agreement (National Political Publisher, Hanoi, 2005), ...
1.2. The issues inheritance from other researches
In the above research works, in a certain extent, the North Vietnam militia forces during
the period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists were shown in many
research projects. These are quite elaborate research projects, with reference value, quite
objective reconstruction of militia forces since its formation until 2015.
Research projects on the resistance war against of the United States have clarified the
conspiracy of the US imperialists in the North destructive war. The policy of the Party and the
Central Military Commission on fighting against destructive war. At the same time, it was
pointed out that the struggle against destructive war of the North Vietnamese army and people
was shown as a people’s war, in which militia forces were the core with the local army and the
main army fighting to fight paying North air strikes, protecting security and order, rear
construction during the period against the North destructive war (1965-1973).
The research projects on militia forces have clarified some issues such as: The
importance of building militia force in plain, mountainous and coastal areas; militia forces
artillery, infantry and the construction of militia in the provinces and military regions;
Construction and training of militia forces; Activities of militia forces in emulation
movements, on production fronts; Some features of militia forces’s weapons have also been
mentioned; Experiences in leadership, leadership, combat and typical battles of militia forces
from 1965 to 1973, ...
Militia forces during the period against the destructive war, in the research projects,
some typical battles of militia forces in the provinces of Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Thanh
Hoa, Vinh Linh, Quang Binh,... One the number of articles on militia forces in combat,
combat service, prevention of overcoming consequences of war in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh

Linh, Quang Binh and localities; The role of militia forces in the war of liberation and
construction, the national defense nowaday.
The research projects have contributed to the orientation, approach and presentation of
militia forces. Some summarizing works on militia forces, confirming the important role and
position of militia forces in the cause of national defense.
The research projects provide the thesis with the documents on the destruction war of
the United States imperialists, the period of against the destruction war of the United States
imperialists; History of the Militia Department; Chronicle of events and some activities of
militia forces,... These research projects have provided a number of important documents,
general awareness of militia forces and suggest approaches and research.
In summary, the research results of published works show that there is still no specific,
specific study of systematic and comprehensive research on militia forces in the North
Vietnam during the period of against the destruction war. So that, the North militia forces
during the period of against the destruction war there are still many issues that need to
research.

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1.3. The issues need to continue researching
Implementing this thesis, we inherited the research results of the previous projects and
at the same time exploited new resources from newly published domestic and foreign books,
newspapers and magazines; special attention should be paid to the exploitation of documents
at archival centers (National Archives Center III, Center of Ministry of Defense Archives,...).
Based on the rich and reliable resources, the thesis continues to study in a comprehensive and
more complete about the militia forces of the North Vietnam during the period against the
destructive war of the United States imperialists with the following issues:
Firstly: Historical background, conspiracy to plot, plan to raid the North of the United
States imperialists directly impact on the organization and operation of militia forces in the
task of against American imperialism’s destructive war.

Secondly: The guidelines of the Party, State, Military Commission of the Central
Committee, Ministry of Defense and the Department of Militia on organization, construction
and tasks of militia forces during the period against the destructive war.
Thirdly: Organizational structure, equipment, training, tasks and the process of building
militia forces from 1965 to 1973.
Fourthly: Activities of militia forces in combat, coordination of combat, combat
service, organization of evacuation prevention, traffic assurance, security order and security,
production and overcoming war results from 1965 to 1973.
Fifthly: Characteristics, achievements, limitations and some experiences on the
organization and operation of militia forces from 1965 to 1973.
Chapter 2
THE NORTH VIETNAM MILITARIA FORCES FROM 1965 TO 1968
2.1. The process of building militia forces in the North Vietnam
2.1.1. Overview of the North Vietnam situation and militaria forces in the North
Vietnam before 1965
2.1.1.1. The situation of North Vietnam before 1965
Victory in the East - Spring campagain (1953-1954), the culmination of the historic
victory of Dien Bien Phu (May 7, 1954) of the Vietnamese people forced the French
Government to sign the Geneva Agreement (July 21, 1954) recognized Vietnam's
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, this was an important victory, ending more
than 80 years of French colonial rule and opening a new era of Vietnamese revolution.
However, due to complex correlation between forces and world politics, after signing the
Geneva Agreement, Vietnam was temporarily divided into two regions with two different
political regimes. The North was completely liberated, entering the transition period of
socialism, the South was still under the yoke of imperialism and minions. In that situation, the
people of the whole country still have to continue the cause of building socialism and fighting
for national liberation and unification.
2.1.1.2. Militaria forces before 1965
After 10 years of construction, fighting and maturity (1954-1964), under the leadership of
the Party Central Committee, the Government, the Ministry of Defense, the Department of

Mobilization and Militia, the agencies of mobilization and militia, militia forces are built widely in
the North, developing in quantity and quality. In terms of quantity, by the end of 1964, the number
of militia forces had nearly 1.5 million people, reaching 8% of the population, of which 14% were
party members, 26% were youth union members, nearly 1,350 soldiers near district and platoon
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strong in communes and key areas. In terms of composition, militia forces have been organized
according to each task such as: The team of flying crews fly low; The team of engineers and
soldiers overcome the consequences; Another professional team was established.
Militia forces are regularly strengthened and trained, an average year of training from 1
to 3 months, at the end of the year the district sports festival is organized. Militia forces learns
how to fight commandos, spy, shoot planes, train infantry combat. The organization of political
learning in militia forces is also organized regularly with inspection and classification. Militia
forces actively participate in socialist construction activities in the North such as land reform,
security and order protection, dissemination, anti-commando, espionage, ...
2.1.2. The conspiracy of American imperialism in the first destructive war in North
Vietnam and the Party’s policies on fighting destructive war, organize and build militia
forces
2.1.2.1. The conspiracy of American imperialism during the first destructive war in the
North
In 1964, in the face of the defeat of the “Special War” strategy in the South, the
American imperialists and the Saigon government continued to launch many commandos to
invade North Vietnam in preparation for expansion war destruction to the North. In December
1964, US President L.Johnson agreed to implement an option to “conduct retaliatory
bombardment of North Vietnam, not only to avenge any outstanding Viet Cong activities such
as Bien Hoa”, intensifying coastal attacks under Plan 34A, continued for the cruiser patrol in
the Gulf of Tonkin, speeding up air strikes T.28 against penetrating targets in Laos and find
ways to implement reforms in the South Vietnam for 30 days. On February 7, 1965, US
President L.Johnson ordered retaliatory strikes in the North Vietnam, officially conducting war

to destroy the North.
1. Reducing the activities of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Viet Cong by
striking the will of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
2. Improving the “balance of morale” correlation between Vietnam Government
(Vietnam Republic) and Viet Cong.
3. Create one for both the US and the Vietnam Government (Vietnam Republic).
4. Reducing penetration of people and weapons of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
5. Show the world that America will be devoted to ally.
2.1.2.2. The Party's policies on the first destructive war of the US imperialism and
organization and construction of militaria forces
Before the conspiracy and raid action of the United States imperialists, after August 5,
1964, the North moved all activities from peace time to war time; at the same time actively
preparing, ready to deal with the destructive war. In order to defeat the destructive war of the
American empire, the Party launched the entire people to conduct the people’s war, based on
the comprehensive strength of the socialist regime in the North and enlisted the help of Socialist
countries. Thoroughly grasping the Party’s guidelines, militia forces have actively prepared all
aspects, ready to fight and serve to fight to defeat the destructive war of the American empire.
The Party’s guidelines on against the destructive war continues to be confirmed in the
Resolution of the 11th Party Central Committee Meeting (March, 1965) and Resolution of the
12th Party Central Committee Meeting (December, 1965), ...
On June 25, 1965, the General Staff Department issued a Directive on militia forces
mission, in order to raise a feasible step to be ready to fight and serve combat. 1. The direction of
militia forces must pay attention to both sides, deal with crimes and prepare guerrilla war if there is
a war of aggression. 2. Actively implementing the Resolution of the Central Military Commission
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on unification of reserve troops to militia forces. 3. Strengthen the direction and training of militia
forces. 4. Better organization than low-flying enemy aircraft shooting teams. 5. Militia forces
organization better participates in people’s air defense. 6. Focus on directing preparation for

guerrilla warfare in each locality.
2.1.2.3. The mission of the militia forces
Firstly, implementing the regime of military service, strengthening national defense and
strengthening the resistance force. Secondly, fight (directly fight and coordinate with other
forces to join the fight). Thirdly, serving the combat troops (preparing the battlefield for the
main army and the local army, transporting ammunition, ambulance, clearing the battlefield,...).
Fourthly, participate in the prevention and evacuation (organization of tunnels, trenches,
fortifications, ambulance, rescue, fire fighting, organization of coordination of evacuation of
people). Fifthly, ensure transportation (repair bridges and roads, make roads, open detours to
avoid blockade, join regular transport and transport campaigns). Sixthly, participating in
production labor, ensuring an autonomous battle and overcoming the consequences of war.
2.1.3. Building militaria forces
2.1.3.1. Organizational structure, equipment and training
About organizational structure: During the period from 1965 to 1968, militia forces were
placed under the direct management of the Department of Mobilization and Militia and the
Department of Militia. Militia forces organization has 2 main types: The core militia forces
(combat force) and the extensive militia forces (combat service force). In terms of composition,
militia forces organized all gender and age groups, including men and women, young and old.
About the organization scale: The organizational scale of militia forces from the team to
the battalion level.
About staff: The staff of militia forces includes: militia forces infantry (from 3 to 5
people; Squad from 7 to 12 people; Platoon from 22 to 38 people; Companies from 70 to 100
people; Battalion from 150 to 350 people); militia forces air-defence and artillery (Teams from
15 to 30 people; Companies from 40 to 70 people).
Regarding equipment and weapons: The main weapons of the militia forces in the North
Vietnam are equipped during the period against the destructive war: rifles, submachines, midair, machine guns, mortars, guns of DKZ, guns air defense 12,7mm, 14,5mm, ... the cannons
such as: 23mm, 37mm, 57mm, even up to 100mm and 105mm.
Regarding clothing: Self-defense in public service units, factories, industrial enterprises
with economic conditions are equipped with clothes such as workers' clothes or costumes
according to the core militia forces. As for the militia, most of them are not allocated costumes

but mostly wear everyday clothes.
About the training: In the years 1965-1968, to deal with the first time of the US
imperialism, training for militia forces in each region was also clearly defined. Militias in rural
and mountainous areas are deployed to learn how to respond in each area. Self-defense in
factories, industrial parks, farms, agencies learned how to fight guerrillas to fight in cities and
industrial enterprises. In addition, depending on the combat requirements of each place, the
local military agency organizes training on ambulance, trade, information, reconnaissance and
defense.
2.1.3.2. Building militia forces
From 1965 to 1968, militia forces were constantly strengthened, consolidated, ready to
fight and served to fight against the first destructive war of American imperialism. Militia
forces are built throughout all regions, economic sectors, by the end of 1966, the total number
of militia forces with more than 2 million people (12% of the population) was organized into
9


two forces: fighting and fighting service. Particularly, militia forces mobile fought have 9,1
thousands, organized 3.000 battlefields of aircraft, equipped with 2.75 thousand guns of all
kinds ready to hit the US from the border line, from the border and into the sea.
2.2. Activities of militaria forces
2.2.1. Combat activities
2.2.1.1. Combat and co-operation
Participating in the battle, militia forces not only fighting but also coordinating with the
main forces, local troops to shoot US’s fighter aircraft and warships. At Cang Gianh (Quang
Binh), on March 2, 1965, shot down and shot injure four US’s fighter aircraft. On March 15,
1965, a militia team of Dien Hung commune (Dien Chau, Nghe An) shot down a jet aircraft
A4-D. On March 26, 1965, militia forces in 7 communes of Thach Ha district collaborated with
local troops to shoot down four US’s fighter aircraft. On May 26, 1965, Nam Ngan militia
(Thanh Hoa) united with the local army and the naval forces fighting to protect naval ships shot
down two F-8 fighter aircraft. On August 13, 1965, Tan Phong militia (Phu Yen, Son La), on

August 26, 1965, militia of Lang Thip commune (Van Yen), on May 28, 1965, Chieng La
militia (Muong La, Son La). On June 13, 1966, three militia teams of Nghi Tan, Nghi Thuy,
Nghi Khanh (Nghi Loc, Nghe An) shot down one F-4 fighter aircraft. In December, 1966,
militia forces of Capital along with anti-aircraft forces shot down dozens of American’s fighter
aircraft. On July 16, 1967, the women militia forces of Hoa Loc commune (Hau Loc, Thanh
Hoa) shot down the AD-6 aircraft in Kenh De. On October 14, 1967, the old-men militia of
Hoang Truong commune (Hoang Hoa, Thanh Hoa) shot down one A-4 fighter aircraft. On May
14, 1968, the militia of Vinh Quang commune cooperated with armed police of Cua Tung
police station shot sinks one US’s warships. From February 7 to May 16, 1968, Ngu Thuy
militia women’s team (Le Thuy, Quang Binh) also contributed to shooting down US’s aircraft.
2.2.1.2. Serve the soldiers to fight and surround American pilots
In the battle to shoot American’s aircraft of the main forces, local troops, militia forces is an
active involved in transporting, setting up battlefields, receiving ammunition and doing emergency,
ambulance and cleanup. Typical for this activity is the Dong Phuong Hong militia women’s team
(Ninh Binh), Nam Ngan, Ham Rong, Hoa Loc, Hoang Hai, Hoang Truong (Thanh Hoa), Ky
Phuong (Ha Tinh) and women self-defense of the 8-3 Textile factory, Mai Dong mechanic
(Hanoi),... Militia forces also help the army of radar in over 1 million workdays; High-altitude
artillery units for over 3 million workdays, participating in building an airport of over 50.000
workdays. These contributions of militia forces partly limited the damage caused by the US, and
created favorable conditions in promoting production and aid to battlefields.
In addition to fighting and serving combat missions, militia forces also has the task of
participating in arresting downed American pilots. Typically, the Ha Bac militia, Yen Bai militia
used horses, Quang Binh militia used bicycles to maneuver to catch American pilots. During the
time US campaign “Rolling thunder 52”, the North militia forces contributed to capturing 7 pilots
in Tuyen Quang, Ha Bac and Ninh Binh provinces to Hoa Lo Prison and Hin-ton Hotel. In April,
1967, the Thuy Khue’s militia captured two pilots.
2.2.2. Combat service activities
2.2.2.1. Air defense and evacuation
In the years 1965-1968, militia forces participated in 3 main contents of air-defense
evacuation: Alarm, shelter, cover room; Observe the alarm and shelter pit. In addition, militia

forces also clearly shows its role in building villages, communes, neighborhoods, combat
enterprises, developing wartime transportation. Militia forces participated in other actions such
as: shelter trenches, alarm observation, camouflage cover the room. By the end of 1967 in early
10


1968, the total of traffic trench in the North was about 43,000 km; 28 million individual pits, 12
million collective tunnels, 44 km of tunnels, 80 thousand machinery tunnel, 705.000 cattle
shelter and 442.000 mobile tunnels, tens of thousands of road construction machines,
equipment, renovate thousands of caves to store the property.
In the years 1965-1967, the localities were key destructive in the North, the evacuation
was also conducted urgently and achieved results. The militia force contributed to transfer
about 60-70% of the population in cities of Vinh, Nam Dinh and Viet Tri to a safe place.
2.2.2.2. Transportation ensure
During the first period against the first destructive war (1965-1968), there were teams
and key militia forces teams ensuring traffic. The on-site militia forces are always present at the
observing location, sticking to the river sections to mark the bombing point and conducting
clearance. Typical for that militia forces are 10 Lam Ha militia women (Phu Ly, Ha Nam) who
have fought, the realm, and ensure traffic on the national highway 1A. The militia women of
Lai Vu (Hai Duong) of Road 5, the men and women of Cau Gie (Ha Tay), the militia women
and men defended Cong Lan (Thai Binh),... The 10 militia women on duty leveling bomb crater
at Dong Loc fork (Can Loc, Ha Tinh). Or La Thi Tam militia is responsible for counting and
marking unexploded bombs for soldiers to break at Dong Loc fork,... Thanh Hoa province has
also appeared many militia teams embark bomb breaking, such as the militia of Nga Thach
commune (Nga Son), the militia of Quang Xuong, Tinh Gia and Thanh Hoa town. In particular,
12 women militia in Thanh Thuy commune (Tinh Gia) always stick to the pillars where the
focal point of Ghep ferry - an important, ensures traffic vessels.
2.2.3. Participating to product, contribute to building the rear
2.2.3.1. Participating to product
As the armed forces of Party, with the characteristics of being both military and civilian,

militia forces not only performs combat tasks but also participates in production. During the
period against the first destructive war of the United States imperialists, the core role of the
militia forces in production was developed extensively. The “tay luoi tay sung”, “tay bua tay
sung”, and “tay cay tay sung” campagains which motivated militia forces were widely organized.
Most of the core or spacious militia forces combine ready-to-fight and increased production on the
spot. With this arrangement and organization, militia forces not only produce to self-sufficiency to
fight the enemy, but also ensure the merit for the family, so the peace of mind with the task of
fighting.
2.2.3.2. Ensuring order and security
Ensuring order and security is one of the important tasks of militia forces. In carrying out
this task, militia forces participated in anti-commando, espionage in border areas and islands
and ensured order and security in cities, towns, rural and mountainous areas. In the border
areas, islands, the militia force is regularly organized in order to quickly detect and suppress
espionage. In rural areas, militia help people to fight robbery, stabilize the political and where
people evacuate eastward, watch out for bad elements to propagate and destroy revolution. In
cities and towns, militia forces perform the task of guarding, protecting order and ward streets,
supervising houses of evacuation families. Self-defense is on duty to protect assets,
infrastructure of agencies, factories and enterprises to evacuate.
2.2.3.3. Participate in overcoming the consequences of war
Militia forces participated in overcoming the consequences of war caused by US’s
aircraft raids, including rescue forces in place and mobile rescue forces, in which, mobile rescue
forces were equipped with machines and equipment dedicated. These two forces participated in
most of the contents such as: Rescue collapsing, fire fighting, stabilizing life for distressed
11


families, overcoming and ensuring communication and transportation. In the mission of fire
fighting, militia forces are the core force and other forces join the people and the masses.
Militia forces also participated in rescuing dikes, dykes, storms and storms,... The militia forces
were trained and registered to use all kinds of machines crane and tools from rudimentary

(hoes, shovels, rafts, the burden, the integrity,...) to the modern (, wiper, excavator,...) can be
obtained in the area to perform the task of overcoming the consequences of war.
Conclusion
From 1965 to 1968, militia forces, one of the important components of the three forces were
strengthened, expanded and developed in terms of staffing, from teams to battalions, creating total
power as well as the level of operation of North militia forces.
The achievements and contributions in the years 1965-1968 affirmed the important role and
position of militia forces on all fronts such as combat, combat service, prevention, evacuation,
transportation ensure, maintaining order and security, participating in production and overcoming
consequences of destruction.
Militia forces have participated in and well performed the tasks of people's air defense in
cities and towns, contributing to the destruction of the conspiracy to destroy infrastructure, the
economic and defense system of the North. With the achievements in ensuring transportation,
militia forces have made an important contribution to defeat the US conspiracy in cutting off the
expenditure from the North to the South. Militia forces well implemented the policy of both
production and fighting of the Party, actively participated in successfully completing the
movements of “tay luoi tay sung”, “tay cay tay sung”, “tay bua tay sung”, contributing to the
successful completion of the task of reinforcing the front line. Militia forces in factories still
maintain the pace and develop local industry. Agricultural production remained stable, nearly the
same output as the pre-war years. The contribution of militia forces in the protection, maintenance
and development of production not only protects the North, but also ensures the support of human
and energy for the Southern revolution. The achievements of militia forces have made an important
contribution to defeat the goals of the US imperialism in the implementation of the first North
American coping.
Chapter 3
THE NORTH VIETNAM MILITIA FORCES FROM 1969 TO 1973
3.1. Consolidating and building the militia forces
3.1.1. The American Empire continued to expand and destroy the North and the
Party's policy on fighting the destructive war, consolidate and build militia forces.
3.1.1.1. The new historical context and the conspiracy of the American empire

continued to expand and destroy the North
On January 20, 1969, Nixon began taking office as President of the United States. Soon
after, President Nixon implemented a new global strategy called “Nixon’s Doctrine” and the
military strategy “Practical deterrent” applied to Vietnam to improve the war situation in the
two regions. In the North, the United States imperialists continued to violate its commitment to
stop bombing, bombarding and conducting air reconnaissance to gather information and
prepare for new attacks. The United States imperialists declared “America will bomb back to
the North” if the source from the North to the South threatens the security of US forces and the
Republic of Vietnam government. In fact, from 1969 to 1971, US air reconnaissance activities
were carried out regularly.
3.1.1.2. The Party’s policy on fighting the destructive war to in the North and
consolidate, build militia forces

12


Faced with the transformation of the Vietnam War and the action of destroying the North
of the American Empire, at the 18th Central Executive Committee Meeting (Session III)
(March 10, 1970), the Party Central Committee received The immediate task of Vietnam during
the new period of the resistance is to mobilize the highest efforts of the whole Party, the entire
army, the entire people on both regions, the victory has been achieved, persevered and
promoting the resistance, continuing to develop a comprehensive, continuous and powerful
strategy of advancing military advancement and political advancement, combining diplomatic
advancement, advancing American troops just trying to build Vietnam’s growing military and
political force.
For the consolidation and building of militia force, the Department of Militia has specific
guidelines: Border areas, frontiers: building combat forces of guerrillas, self-defense, mobile
forces, professional teams and militia forces in villages, ensuring every village has a militia
organization; Coastal areas and islands: Strongly build mobile guerrilla forces, mobile combat
teams, warships and commandos, bombs and mines ...; Waterway-road traffic zone: To build

strong professional security teams to fight, army teams, destroy bombs, repair bridges and
roads, shoot airplanes and combat landings; The city-town area: To build a self-defense force to
protect the police, act as a core in the people’s air defense and supplement the army, focusing
on building a mobile combat force and a specialized team.
3.1.1.3. New tasks of militia forces
The militia forces and establishments continue to thoroughly grasp the motto of both
production and fighting and tasks in the first destructive war. In the second phase, the focus was
on air defense combat missions ready to fight against the war of the second time of the United
States imperialists. Militia forces’s air defense forces focus on performing three tasks: Firstly,
US aircraft flying, traffic protection, combined with anti-US attacks and commandos. Secondly,
set standards for direct combat participants, strengthen the alarm observation system, ensure
timely detection of aircraft, warships, paratroopers, number and location of bombs falling into
the locality. Thirdly, directing and commanding militia forces shooting American planes,
protecting the area in all situations. Consolidate militia forces organization to focus on key
points, when needed to both fight and serve combat and production.
3.1.2. Strengthen and build militia forces
3.1.2.1. Strengthen organization and staffing
Organization and staffing: Militia forces in the years 1969-1973 still had two main
forces which were the core force (combat force) and the wide force (forces serving the battle) as
in 1965-1968. However, the militia forces organization has the difference that it has established
a mobile militia forces in the core militia forces. The mission of the mobile militia forces is to
maneuver and coordinate with the main force, the local army to move and fight from the area
when required.
Regarding organization size and staffing: The organizational scale and staffing of the
militia forces force in the 1969-1973 period remained basically the same as those in 1965-1968,
particularly for the organization size, there was development, militia forces organization has a
place where scale has reached the regiment level to meet the high combat requirements. The
Quang Trung Regiment in Hanoi is an example. The organization up to regiment level to
arrange firepower into clusters to promote the ability to shoot low and medium range aircraft of
militia forces.

3.1.2.2. Strengthening weapons, vehicles and renovation of training
Strengthening weapons: Basically, the weapons of the militia forces equipped are still in
the years 1965-1968, but are reinforced with anti-aircraft weapons. The difference is that armed
13


weapons are concentrated in key points and are mainly weapons such as 12,7mm, 14,5mm and
anti-aircraft cannons such as: 23mm, 37mm, 57mm and 100mm. By 1970, militia forces were
relatively equipped, with 214.826 rifles, 28.520 submachine guns, 5.178 mid-air guns, 1.631
heavy machine guns, 272 mortars, 74 guns of DKZ and 81 cannons 23mm, 37mm, 57mm,...
Costumes: Costumes and equipment for militia forces in the years 1969-1973 did not
change compared to previous years 1965-1968.
Training renovation: From 1969 to 1973, the training contents for militia forces had
innovations compared to 1965-1968, the training for militia forces was conducted according to
the intensive content, in which focus on a number of key tasks to prepare for the new
imperialist sabotage. District training is ready to fight for militia forces in three following
situations: Ready to fight level 1 is a normal situation where combat has not occurred; Ready to
fight level 2 is a situation where the enemy is about to fight; Ready to fight level 3 is an
emergency situation, militia forces is ready to fight.
3.1.2.3. Strengthening and replenish forces
After more than a year of consolidation, by December 1970, the total number of militia
and self-defense was 2.101.625 people, of which the guerrilla militia was 1.579.362 people;
Self-defense and self-defense combat is 522.263 people. Deployed into 229 self-defense
battalions, 3.234 guerrilla militia companies, 1.553 self-defense companies and fighting selfdefense, 6.259 guerrilla platoon, 2.003 self-defense platoon, with 30.257 guerrilla militia
platoon. By the end of 1972, the North militia forces organized dozens of companies armed
with 37mm, 57mm, 100mm anti-aircraft guns; 170 companies and platoon equipped with antiaircraft machine guns; 20 companies, platoon equipped with 85mm guns. Total militia forces
shot aircraft throughout the North until 1972 have 414 teams with 1.411 cannons and guns of
all kinds.
3.2. The North militia forces intensified their combat and combat service activities
3.2.1. Combat activities

3.2.1.1. Combat and coordination
On November 1, 1968, the US imperialist declared to stop bombing the North but in fact
frequently raided the special area of Vinh Linh, two provinces of Quang Binh and Ha Tinh,...
and also reconnaissance aircraft drivers explore and collect information in many other
provinces, especially big cities and towns. Right from the first battles to destroy the North, the
US air force faced a dense air defense system and suffered losses. On June 27, 1972, defending
the Van Dien phosphate factory shot down one F-4. On July 8, 1972, the militia of Me Tri
commune shot down one F-4 when attacking the areas of Tu Liem, Mai Dich and Cau Giay. On
the 4th, 5th, 11th, 24th, 29th July 1972, militia forces of Capital and air forces continued to
shoot down 6 aircraft, 8 paratroopers were captured by militants. On August 5, 1972, in Hanoi,
the self-defense of Quang Trung mechanical factory shot down one A-6 when flying into the
city. On August 13, 1972, the militia of Tien Dong (Tu Ky) shot down one A-6. From August
19, 1972 to September 17, 1972, the militia of Cong Hoa commune (Chi Linh), the militia of
Dong Kinh commune (Khoai Chau), Tu Do (Kim Dong) and Tien Lu district and self-defense
Hung Yen town, Co Thanh (Chi Linh) also shot down American’s aircraft at night with
12,7mm guns. On June 24, 1972, the militia of Muong Do commune (Phu Yen, Son La) shot
down one American’s aircraft. On August 15, 1972, Vinh Phu’s militia shot down another F-4.
On September 12, 1972, self-defense of Z1 factory continued to shoot down another F-4. From
May to October 1972, the company of 94 people gathered in Quang Xuong district shot down 5
American’s aircraft at the focal point of the ferry. On December 20, 1972, the Vinh Bao militia
platoon (Hai Phong) with 12,7mm and 14,5mm anti-aircraft machine guns fired one
14


American’s F-111 aircraft. On the night of December 22, the 14,5mm machine gun cluster of
the Hoan Kiem area self defense team and the Hai Ba Trung area (Hanoi) destroyed an F111-A.
On December 30, 1972, women militia of Hoa Loc commune (Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa) shot down
an F4-H,...
3.2.1.2. Serve the soldiers to fight and surround American pilots
From 1969 to 1973, militia forces continued to contribute tens of thousands of days to

build high-level artillery, missile, shore artillery, construction of airports, warehouses,... to
serve combat troops. When the main force battled with American’s aircraft and warships, the
militia forces soldiers bravely carried out the ammunition duty and when necessary needed to
carry out the gunner’s mission. Militia forces are also enthusiastic to help the main force solve
well the works after the combat or help the regular army move away from the battlefield
quickly and secretly. It can be affirmed that every victory of the regular army has the
contribution of militia forces.
3.2.2. Combat service activities
3.2.2.1. Air defense and evacuation
Following the achievements of the organization of prevention and evacuation during the
first destructive war of the United States imperialists, from 1969 to 1973, the North militia
forces joined with people to prevent and evacuate more effectively, contributing to minimizing
losses caused by US’s aircraft with greater scale and density than before. From the central to
local levels, the People's Air Defense Council at all levels has organized militia forces to act as
the core. Militia forces’s observation system and watchtower continue to be deployed
throughout the North. At the end of 1972, when the American empire escalated to violently raid
cities and towns, most people in the city were evacuated. In Hanoi, it focuses on Dong Anh,
Yen Vien, Gia Lam, Van Dien and Yen Phu power plants. In Hai Phong, concentrated in Cau
Rao, Cau Niem and Ben Binh areas, 54.000 out of 65.000 urban people (83%) were evacuated;
Hai Phong evacuated 21 thousands (77%); Nam Dinh evacuated 12.5 thousands (96%); Thai
Nguyen evacuated 2.7 thousands (90%); Viet Tri evacuated 4.9 thousands (80%). Many cities
and areas such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Thai Nguyen, Vinh, Viet Tri,... have evacuated
80-95% of the population, so the casualties of the people have decreased very low. The Hai
Phong City, Nam Dinh, Ha Noi, ... have reduced losses by 4 times compared to the first
destructive war of the United States imperialists period.
3.2.2.2. Transportation ensure
Ensuring transportation is an extremely important mission of the North rear in the aid of
the South front. After the first destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1968), the
militia forces of the localities and the transport sector actively participated in leveling and
repairing bridges and roads. Big bridges are repaired by bridges, railings and reinforced bridge

piers. The system of ports, warehouses, and gathering places is also remodeled. As a result,
after only a short time the traffic system and civil transport activities, the transport for the large
front lines in the South was restored. Every day, hundreds of shipments are still transferred to
the South to serve the soldiers and the people fighting.
With the determination to ensure smooth transportation, timely delivery of goods to the
big front lines, the militia forces teams clearing bombs and mines of the localities work around
the clock, off the channel, open the route, and open the safe way for the boat and car back and
forth. Tens of thousands of workers who are the core force of militia forces have participated in
rescue. As for individuals, typically Mai Xuan Diem of ferry militia forces Ghep is the first
person to voluntarily use canoes to pull ferries (instead of high-speed engines) carrying ejection
machine, detonating torpedoes, ensuring for clear ferry... The soldiers defended Ho Lay, self15


defended of the Nhat Le fishing enterprise, volunteered to be the pilot for the ship launched
from torpedo destruction that was sacrificed during the mission. The Nguyen Xao self-defense,
Vo Ninh commune (Le Ninh, Quang Binh), on emergency volunteered to drive a motor-boat to
cross the river and explode nearly 100 bombs TN, the route and Quan Hau ferry,... and many
other examples. On the collective, notably the militia of Nghi Huong communes (Nghi Loc,
Nghe An); Xuan Hoi, Xuan Truong, Xuan Dan (Nghi Xuan, Ha Tinh), 11 communes in the
coastal area of Quang Trach, Bo Trach (Quang Binh) and other communes in the transit area.
These militia teams were not afraid to sacrifice, arduous, day and night always present by the
coast, clinging to the road, clinging to each bag in times fighting fierce.
3.2.3. Participating to product, contribute to building the rear
3.2.3.1. Participating to product
In the period of 1969-1973, the North militia forces not only performed well the task of
fighting and serving the battle but also achieved many achievements in production and
economic recovery. Typically, the self-defense fighter Dang Ba Hat of Quang Ninh Coal
Company, in production has actively built up the production team. For many years, Dang Ba
Hat built his labor team from weak to good and good labor team. With that tireless effort and
striving, Dang Ba Hat became the Deputy Director of the workshop. During the period against

the destructive war, comrades who had good production organization and directly participated
in combat, all tasks were successfully completed. Self-defense in factories and enterprises also
plays an important role in shock and production. In terms of collectives, typically militias of
Phong Thuy commune (Le Thuy, Quang Binh), militia of Ky Tan commune (Ky Anh, Ha
Tinh), militia of Nghi Huong commune (Nghi Loc, Nghe An), militia of Nguyen Xa commune
(Dong Hung, Thai Binh), militia of Hai Thinh commune (Hai Hau, Nam Dinh) always lead the
movements in the commune, especially in the production, have contributed positively to the
transplantation of all areas, giving productivity increases a year.
3.2.3.2. Ensuring order and security
Ensuring order and security is one of the North militia forces’s missions and activities
throughout during the against the destructive war. In the two years 1969-1970, the situation of
security, politics, social order in border areas and islands, in some cities and towns, has
complicated developments. The the United States imperialists intensified commandos, detective
units went deep into the mainland and coordinated with reactionary forces to carry out religious
activities to open anti-destructive activities and cause disorder in many localities in the North.
Contributing to stabilizing the situation, ensuring order and security, militia forces have
been strengthened to participate to help people evacuate their assets and keep their houses and
houses in order to keep them safe. Militia forces participated in regulating traffic, overcoming
traffic incidents and accidents, making sure the waterway traffic is always smooth. Militia
forces also appoints regular staff with workers and self-defense of factories to keep assets, so
that all activities of big cities are guaranteed.
3.2.3.3. Participate in overcoming the consequences of war
In the task of overcoming the consequences of war, militia forces has participated in
repairing tunnels, holes, preventive ditches, roads, civil works, factories, factories, schools, and
clearing waterways clearance of mines, mines and mines, stabilizing life and production ...
From 1969 to 1971, the North militia forces joined with ministries, branches and local people to
actively overcome consequences of th US imperialist in the first destructive war (1965-1968),
quickly stabilizing living and production life. In rural areas, mountainous areas, the militia with
the people actively clean up the battlefield, repair roads, and rebuild embankments and repair
houses.

16


From May 1972, the issue of overcoming the blockade of mines and bombs of US
imperialist to ensure road and coastal traffic, estuaries became very urgent. Local military
agencies at all levels urgently directed militia forces to take part in removing magnetic bombs
and torpedoes. In the spirit of initiative, actively do not hesitate to sacrifice, arduous forces
militia forces has broken, removed more than 70% of the total number of bombs and mines by
primitive and relatively modern means. In the first half of January 1973, basically all types of
American mines and mines were dropped into coastal areas, at sea, on rivers, on roads that were
scanned and exploded. In general, the north waterways and channels have been smooth.
Conclusion
From 1969 to 1973, the militia forces of North Vietnam have matured dramatically,
gaining many achievements in building forces, fighting, fighting, protecting, maintaining
production, and post-building direction.
Under the direction of the Party, Military Commission, Ministry of Defense and Ministry
of Defense, militia forces always raise the level of synergies, maneuver, flexibility, timely
change the layout, conduct the missions. focused combat, protecting each area, objectives and
each transport phase on strategic transport routes. Militia forces air defense forces have been
fighting and withdrawing experience, developing creative forms of tactics, combining courage,
intrigue and tactics with techniques to fight. In combat and combat service, militia forces
participated in shooting down, firing many American’s aircraft and warships.
Militia forces participated and performed well the evacuation prevention missions in
cities and towns, contributing to minimizing human and human losses. Militia forces have
shown an important role in the task of clearing mines and mines, ensuring transport and
transport to destroy the monopoly, monotone and conspiracy to cut down the hospital
expenditures from the North to the South of American empire. Local militia forces also actively
participated in production, contributing to the successful completion of the task of building the
North rear and aid the South front.
Practical operation from 1969 to 1973, North militia forces raised the spirit and

determination to defeat the American invaders, to mobilize the entire force to fight the
bombardment of the US’s air force and navy, ensuring transportation, maintaining production,
continuing to spend human and energy resources on the front line. Militia forces’s contribution
to combat and combat service contributed significantly to the North’s army and people to defeat
the second destructive war of the American empire, forcing the US to return to the negotiating
table with Vietnam in Paris.
Chapter 4
COMMENTS AND SOME HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES
4.1. Comments
4.1.1. Characteristics
The reality of organizing and building forces and combat activities and fighting services
of the North militia forces during the period against the destructive war of the United States
imperialists (1965-1973) may raise some the main characteristics are as follows.
Firstly, the North militia forces is one of the main armed forces combat and mobile
combat at the groundwork: The militia is the core force to protect, fight and produce mainly in
rural areas, plain, mountainous and coastal. Self-defense is the core force to protect, fight and
produce in state agencies, factories and industrial parks. Militia forces are the main violence
tool of the grassroots people’s government led and built by the local Party Committee under

17


specific conditions and circumstances at the local level. Besides fighting at the groundwork,
militia forces also maneuver to fight when needed.
Secondly, the North militia forces is a large armed force, well-organized: Militia
forces is a large armed force of the masses and a non-escapist armed force that both
produces export and fight to protect production, protect people's lives and properties.
Militia forces include both men and women, with all ages from teenagers to middle-aged
and seniors. These components come from everywhere, in different industries, from plains
and coastal areas to midland, mountainous areas, from rural to urban areas, from farmers

to workers, officials and civil servants. and other classes. Militia forces are strictly
organized, in accordance with state regulations and carefully selected.
Thirdly, North militia forces are organized in various forms and scales: This feature
of militia forces comes from organization and operation. Militia forces are divided into core
forces, spacious and mobile. With these forms of organization, militia forces can operate
flexibly, changing tasks quickly, meeting the demand of resistance. The militia forces has
just produced and fought extensively, a form of no escape from production. Militia forces
and mobile militia forces are a form of escape that only produces only the task of fighting
and serving the combat troops.
Fourthly, the North militia forces proficiently used the weapons that were equipped,
way of fighting had a very diverse and creative: During the destructive war of the United
States imperialists (1965-1973), militia forces’s weapons continuous development from the
place of rudimentary weapons, developing to relatively modern and modern weapons. While
modern weapons still do not disregard primitive weapons and equipment to effectively
counteract modern and modern American weapons. The corrugated iron sheet, iron plate, wire
frame IM, PK... of militia forces have promoted efficiency in the detection of magnetic
bombs, modern mines of the US imperialists. Militia forces’s fighting style in the North is
very diverse, this is also a prominent feature of this force during the anti-war war of the
American empire. Militia forces’s fighting style not only fights with everything armed from
infantry guns, anti-aircraft machine guns, anti-aircraft guns and coastal artillery but also can
hit the US in all terrain and weather conditions, space, time difference. North militia forces
can fight in the rain, in cold conditions, can fight on the top of the mountain, under the plain
and on the sea.
Fifthly, North militia forces can participate in many fields at the same time: This is a
typical feature of the North militia forces during the destructive war of the United States
imperialists (1965-1973). At the same time, militia forces participated in almost all activities
from combat, coordinated fighting, fighting service, arresting pilots to the task of organizing
non-evacuation, ensuring traffic, participating in production labor, ensuring order and security
and overcoming the consequences of war.
4.1.2. Consequence, limitations and causes

4.1.2.1. Consequence
First, the North militia forces has achieved success in organizing and building forces:
From its inception until the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973),
militia forces developed to the top in both organization, force and quality. The development of
the militia forces contributes to building a strong three-person people’s armed forces, able to
cope with the American imperialist aggression.
Secondly, the fighting activities of the Northern militia forces contributed to defeating
the great war by the US’s air force and navy: The achievements in the combat of militia forces
were achieved during the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973)
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confirmed the position and important role of the North militia forces. Militia forces contribute
to defeating a large-scale naval and naval war of the American empire. Militia forces shot down
aircraft, fired fire warships, destroyed most of modern bombs, mines and mines of the US,
contributing to prove that modern weapons, modern equipment of the American empire also
certain limitations.
Thirdly, militia forces contributed to protecting the northern rear and reinforcing the
South: With resilient will, determination and courage, North militia forces overcame the most
fierce challenges. To ensure smooth transportation, tens of tons of goods are brought to the front
line every day. The amount of goods transported into the South even during times when the US air
force raided fiercely was also increasing, millions of tons of food, weapons, ammunition,
medicines,... were launched school.
Fourthly, contributing to ensuring production, maintaining political security in the
North: During the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973), North militia
forces made an important contribution to ensuring the operation and actively participate in labor
and production. In the locality, the most difficult production fronts are undertaken by militia
forces. Militia forces have actively participated in improving and managing cooperatives,
always at the forefront of farming, clinging to the sea, improving techniques, implementing
intensive farming to increase productivity.

Militia forces achieve these achievements and victories due to the following main
reasons: 1. This is the victory of the right military way, the way of the people’s war, flexible use
of full strength the people fighting by the Party advocated and led by the Party; 2. Do well the
organization of the militia forces widely and closely in accordance with the actual situation of
the war; 3. Doing well in training and political education, militia forces have promoted their
abilities and qualities; 4. Militia forces also receive the love, support and help of the people.
4.1.2.2. Limitations
In addition to the achievements, during the destructive war of the United States
imperialists (1965-1973), North Vietnam militia forces still had some limitations:
Firstly, the process of directing and organizing force building and training in each
period, in some localities and establishments is still not timely and comprehensive: In directing
the activities of militia forces disclosed shortcomings and limitations such as: not closely
coordinating between branches and forces; assessing the opponent is not correct; The
organizational level has not kept up with the requirements of the situation, so it is possible to
avoid or reduce losses in human and human losses.
Secondly, in fighting of militia forces some localities and establishments at each time, in
some battles still subjective, lack of confidence and calmness: This limitation appears mainly in
the first phase of the fight against destructive war. In fact, during the period against destructive
war, militia forces fought bravely, and were not afraid of danger, but there were still
limitations, mainly of lack of calm, not mastering the combat techniques. should lead to
harrowing, shooting, causing waste of bullets. Typically, in the battle on June 29, 1966 in Hanoi
Capital, militia forces shot nearly 4 thousand bullets of all kinds but failed to destroy any target.
Thirdly, activities of preventing evacuation and ensuring the order and security of militia
forces in some places are not good: In the organization of air-defense evacuation, between
prevention and fighting the United States, in the middle of the prevention and fighting the
United States, with prevention and promotion of production and the prevention and assurance
of people’s life, has many negative aspects. The above-mentioned relationships are not closely
linked to forming a unified content in wartime activities, especially the organization serving the
life is not closely associated with the task of evacuation and dispersion. In fact, in some
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localities, militia forces perform the task of overcoming the bombs, American bullets are not
really promptly and promptly bombarded. Organizing remodeling of trenches, especially in
public places which have not been implemented synchronously and uniformly, the regime of
inspection and hygiene has not been regularly implemented. The habit of concentrating on
activities and lack of preventive organization in some places still takes place.
The above limitations of the Northern militia forces are due to the following main
reasons: 1. Not yet fully evaluated and fully aware of the position and role of militia forces; 2.
The contingent of managerial and organizational personnel in the grassroots forces in general is
still weak, unable to undertake the task; 3. Unsupervised training management, lack of basic
documentation system; 4. The work of building and reinforcing the forces of militia is not
conducted regularly, continuously, and has not resolved well the relationship between the two
economic tasks and national defense.
4.2. Some historical experiences
From the reality of the process of building and developing North militia forces, the
achievements and contributions of militia forces during against the destructive war of the
United States imperialists (1965-1973) have initially drawn some experiences. .
Firstly, it is necessary to attach importance to the position and role of militia forces,
strengthen the leadership of the Party, ministries, departments and branches in and out of the
military to set the right guidelines in organization, construction and operation dynamic: militia
forces has an important strategic position in the cause of national construction and defense.
Being aware of this position and role, we must first strengthen the leadership of the Party, the
direction of the State, the responsibilities of ministries, departments, localities and advisory
agencies in the military with the construction of militia forces.
Secondly, building militia forces must be comprehensive and ensure the quantity and
payroll: This experience shows that, to defeat an invading army with a large number, great
potential, want to maintain and developing the continuous advancement of the resistance war,
as well as promoting the capability of assault in production and socialist construction, one of
the most fundamental problems is that the militia forces must always ensure the quantity,

payroll and good quality. Building strong and widespread militia is the responsibility of the
whole Party, the whole army, the people, branches, levels, social organizations, this work must
be regularly strengthened, reviewed and sued. whole organization.
Thirdly, attaching importance to political education and training in building militia forces:
During the against the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973), focusing on
political and spiritual work for militia forces has brought into play its role in combat and fighting
service. Militia forces are increasingly improving their sense of responsibility, showing their
determination to actively and proactively strike, unconcerned with difficult conditions and
sacrifices, ready to ambush into difficult and evil places Most paralyzed to perform the task. From
that experience, today, building a militia force should focus on building a truly strong political base,
strengthening and constantly improving party work, political work to build a strong base. face.
Fourth, attaching importance to and modernizing equipment in accordance with the
practical requirements of the country in the construction of defense forces: Practical equipment
for militia forces is very important. During the period of anti-American empire, the local
military forces promoted the spirit of self-reliance and self-reliance and overcome all
difficulties so that each person had a weapon to fight the enemy. In addition to the equipped
weapons, militia forces has taken advantage of explosives such as bombs, firecrackers, ... to
make mines and weapons to fight. Thanks to being equipped with weapons and self-made

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weapons, militia forces teams and teams have maintained regular combat activities, creating
continuous progress, actively contributing to destroying and consuming the enemy.
Fifthly, strictly implement the regimes and policies and ensure the balance between the
economy and the defense in the construction of the military forces: To strictly implement and
ensure the regime and policies for the militia forces is an important job, the factor that ensured
the militia forces were assured and dedicated in all assigned tasks. In fact, during the period of
anti-war destruction, thanks to timely regimes, policies and allowances, and ensuring public
regimes for families, the militia forces were encouraged to participate in fighting and fighting.

achieve many achievements.
Promoting the role, applying and developing the experience of militia forces during
against the destructive war of the United States imperialists (1965-1973) for the country in the
era of innovation and international integration today is a very necessary job. These experiences
have practical implications that need to be researched and applied creatively in the construction
and defense of the country today.
Conclusion
During the period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists, the militia
forces have developed rapidly, strongly and widely, meeting the requirements of the resistance
war, affirming its position and strategic role national liberation career. Militia forces have
promoted their position and their role in fighting to destroy many American planes, successfully
completing the task of evacuation prevention, traffic assurance and economic construction. The
achievements of the militia forces contributed to defeating the destructive war by the US air
force and navy.
During the period against the destructive war of the United States imperialists, North
Vietnam militia forces had outstanding features such as: armed forces fighting and fighting at
grassroots level; is a large, tightly organized armed force in the locality; militia forces's rich and
creative ways of fighting and weapons; is an armed force that has just escaped and has not
escaped production and work.
As one of the three forces of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces, militia forces have
played an important role, gaining many achievements in combat, serving combat and rear
construction. Militia forces with rudimentary and modern weapons has made an important
contribution to defeat the destructive war by the US air force and navy. The achievement of
militia forces contributes to defeating a war of scale and strategic objectives of the US in the
war of destroying the North. Militia forces’s achievements in organizing and building forces, in
fighting and serving that battle have demonstrated the advantages of this force in the cause of
national construction and defense.
In addition to the achievements achieved in the organization of building forces, in
fighting and serving combat, participating in the production of rear construction, the militia
forces still exist limitations that need to be strengthened and overcome. The process of

construction, development and operation of militia forces has left many valuable experiences
for the cause of national construction and defense today.
CONCLUSION
1. The North militia forces during the period against the destructive war of the United
States imperialists (1965-1973) was an important mass armed force, with strong combat
power and great combat service. Regarding the organization and commanding level, militia
forces are not equal to the local army and the main army, but militia forces is an armed force
closely linked to the establishment, with the masses, contributing to maintaining and
distributing mobilizing the power of the masses at the base. During the period against the
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destructive war, if militia forces are not focused on construction and development, it is
difficult to protect the base, and keep the people safety and especially not to make the military
and political power, the resistance economy has developed. Therefore, during the war or
peacetime, militia forces should be considered, so that this force will continue to promote its
strategic role in national construction and defense. At the same time, it is necessary to
organize the building of strong militia forces in both quantity and quality, build shock teams,
combat self-defense teams with strong political qualities, good combat capability and can
concentrate and maneuvering flexibly, both manufacturing and fighting, acting as the core to
ensure security and order in the locality and grassroots. Militia forces are really an important
component in the three forces of the Vietnamese people’s armed forces; and a reliable force of
the Party, absolutely loyal to the Fatherland and the people.
2. During the period against the destructive war the North, militia forces have developed
in terms of organization, force and quality. In terms of organization, during the period 1965-1968,
militia forces was organized into 3 main forces: both production and combat forces (the basic
form of organization), regular forces (organizing items) important targets and irregular forces
(combining these two forms). In the period after 1969-1973, militia forces were organized more
streamlined, and they were recruited into professional teams and teams according to the army.
militia forces are organized into army units like the regular army (soldiers, air defense,...). At the

request of the resistance, militia forces is organized in three forms (mobile, core and
widespread). This is the stage of organizing different militia forces and developing to the peak
compared to the period before and after the war of American imperialism.
In terms of scale, militia forces develop mainly from teams and platoons to companies,
some factories and enterprises to establish self-defense battalions. This is also the period
when militia forces has a high development in terms of organization, has a large number,
attracting all gender, all ages to participate and is widely built. In terms of equipment, the
equipment of militia forces is not fully equipped, but the equipment is relatively strong. For
infantry forces equipped with assorted rifles and submachines; Particularly, militia forces’s
anti-aircraft forces are strengthened with weapons that fire quite strong aircraft from 12,7mm,
14,5mm anti-aircraft machine guns to 37mm, 57mm, 100mm, 105mm guns. Besides, there are
other modern infantry weapons such as SKZ, mortars and grenades. Militia forces are
organized to participate in regular and regular training. Such activities include political
fostering, infantry combat training, military and medical operations, and air defense.
Therefore, the quality of militia forces in this period is more developed than other stages.
3. Northern militia forces participated in most activities of two combat missions
(independent fighting, coordinating combat, serving combat troops, capturing pilots) and
performing subjugation activities. General combat (non-evacuation, ensuring transportation,
participating in production labor, ensuring autonomous battle, overcoming the consequences of
war). This is the period when the North militia forces were the most active, performing many jobs
at a time. In combat, militia forces have shot down hundreds of planes, fired dozens of warships,
including the most modern American aircraft at that time, F-111A. In addition, militia forces also
cooperates with the local army, the main force to maneuver US’s aircraft at key points. militia
forces also participated in helping the local army, taking the initiative in ambulance, loading
ammunition, setting up battlefields, disguising rooms,... In combat service, militia forces are
always the core, pulse click in the organization of non-evacuation prevention, transport protection,
order and security protection, join production labor, contribute to building the northern rear and
participate in overcoming the consequences of war.

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