A bit of history repeating

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy opens the annual history conference. Photo by Cpl Jonathan Garland, 1JPAU(P)

By Cpl Jonathan Garland and Emma Robertson
THIRTY years after the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the nation’s role in the conflict was explored at the Chief of Army’s eighth annual history conference in Canberra on October 3 and 4.

More than 300 professional and amateur historians, veterans, serving members and retired general officers, gathered to re-evaluate our part in the conflict.

Opening the conference, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy said Australia’s reputation as a fighting army was acknowledged and respected by all sides in Vietnam.

“However, the Army returned to a country that seemed not to value its professionalism or appreciate its achievements,” he said.

“This contradiction of reputation has for too long coloured the way in which Australians, both soldiers and citizens, approach any examination of the war in Vietnam.”

With a program including topics such as high command and policy direction, preparing units for overseas service, doctrine, training and combat and the Army at home, the conference provided a valuable and timely opportunity to evaluate the many lessons drawn from Vietnam.

The conference heard the personal experiences of those who commanded in the conflict, including Lt-Gen John Coates, Maj-Gen Mike O’Brien and Brig Noel Charlesworth. This perspective was balanced by the recollections of others who served in the conflict, including Dr Clive Williams and WO2 Ian Kuring.

The keynote address, delivered by Professor Roger Spiller from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, centred on the Vietnam syndrome and its alleged effects on United States foreign policy.

Vietnam syndrome refers to the supposed reluctance, following the Vietnam War, of the people of the US to support the deployment of their armed forces in support of the nation’s foreign policy.

Prof Spiller said Vietnam syndrome had long outlived any real influence and usefulness it might once have had.

“If it cannot be avoided, military action must be prompt, decisive and as nearly cost-free as possible,” he said.

“The syndrome requires further that few or, preferably, no casualties be taken.

“If those conditions are not met, the American public will insist on a prompt cessation of operations.”

A highlight of the conference was the launch of a new biography by Dr Anne Blair on the life of Australian Counter-Insurgency expert and leader of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, Ted Serong.