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The Vietnam War was a tumultuous and protracted conflict that spanned from 1955 to 1975, with American involvement peaking between 1965 and 1973. In the midst of this war, the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, developed a training manual called "Whose Watching You" in 1974. This manual was designed to provide crucial knowledge and skills to U.S. soldiers serving in Vietnam.

Similar to World War II illustrated manuals, the illustrations and cartoon nature of these manuals, as well as the text was strategically selected and done in order to appeal to soldiers, regardless of their educational background.

The pictures made the information easy to understand and process the information. There was a lot of work that went into each one. These training manuals often provided humor to the strategic military information making each page very different and unique.

The training manual "Whose Watching You" played a crucial role in preparing U.S. soldiers for the unique challenges they faced in Vietnam in 1974. The manual's development was driven by the need to enhance soldiers' ability to adapt to an unpredictable and hostile environment. Training soldiers in concealment, effective use of gear, construction of defensive positions, and other field operations aimed to improve their survivability, increase their combat effectiveness, and maintain the overall operational readiness of the U.S. forces.

Context of the Vietnam War in 1974:

By 1974, the Vietnam War had entered its final stages, marked by the withdrawal of American combat troops following the Paris Peace Accords of 1973. The United States aimed to disengage from the conflict while supporting the South Vietnamese government against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. However, the war remained complex and unpredictable, and the U.S. soldiers stationed in Vietnam faced numerous challenges.

Importance of Concealment:

Concealment was a critical aspect of training for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. The dense jungles, swamps, and rugged terrain of Vietnam provided ample opportunities for the enemy to hide and launch surprise attacks. The training manual emphasized the need for soldiers to blend into their surroundings, adopt camouflage techniques, and minimize their visibility to avoid being targeted. Effective concealment allowed soldiers to gain the element of surprise, disrupt enemy movements, and increase their chances of survival.

Gear and Equipment:

The Vietnam War was characterized by intense guerrilla warfare, where the enemy often relied on hit-and-run tactics and ambushes. The "Whose Watching You" training manual recognized the importance of appropriate gear and equipment in ensuring soldiers' preparedness for combat situations. It provided guidance on selecting and utilizing weapons, ammunition, body armor, helmets, and other essential items. Soldiers were taught to carry the necessary supplies, including food, water, and medical kits, to sustain themselves during extended operations in the field.

Foxholes and Field Operations:

In a war characterized by irregular warfare, the training manual stressed the importance of constructing defensive positions such as foxholes. These protective shelters offered soldiers a measure of safety during enemy engagements and provided cover during prolonged engagements. Soldiers were taught to dig foxholes efficiently, position them strategically, and maintain situational awareness while inside. Additionally, the manual emphasized the need for disciplined field operations, such as patrolling, reconnoitering, and understanding terrain features, to minimize risks and gather intelligence.