The Australian army's involvement in Vietnam began in 1965, with the initial deployment of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, to Bien Hoa. By August 1965, they were authorized to engage in full-scale combat operations under American command. From 1966 to 1970, Australian troops participated in the "pacification" program, which included fostering relationships with locals, conducting search-and-destroy missions, and employing tactics such as minefields, commando raids, bunkers, and barriers. Ultimately, due to operational failures and growing public opposition, Australia fully withdrew its forces from Vietnam by the end of 1972.
The Initial Involvement of the Australian Military in Vietnam (June - July 1965)
In early June 1965, Australia dispatched its 1st Australian Task Force to South Vietnam, comprising the 1st Battalion of the 1st Royal Australian Regiment, the 79th Signals Squadron, a logistics company, and 100 guerrilla warfare specialists. This contingent was quickly integrated into the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade. Initially, the Australian forces’ activities were confined to local security operations in Bien Hoa province, where the 173rd Brigade was stationed. The Australian government restricted U.S. forces from using this unit for offensive operations, except for defending Bien Hoa Air Base. The operational range of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was restricted to 30-35 km.
On July 30, 1965, the Chief of Staff of the Australian Army in South Vietnam refused to permit the 1st Battalion to participate in an operation conducted by the American 173rd Brigade, forcing the Americans to rely on their own forces for artillery protection, while the Australian 1st Battalion served only in a reserve capacity.
Thus, during this period, the Australian military started its direct involvement in Vietnam, albeit on a very limited scale and with an indistinct role. Government restrictions limited the scope of operations, leading to the ineffectiveness of the alliance's military efforts.
The Involvement of the Australian Military in South Vietnam (August 1965 - 1970)
In August 1965, Brigadier O.D. Jackson of the Royal Australian Army arrived in Vietnam and notified General Westmoreland about the removal of restrictions on the Australian special forces' mission. The Australian military was authorized to engage in combat operations and expand its operational area, marking Australia's full-scale, unrestricted involvement in the U.S.-led alliance. The military agreement between Brigadier Jackson and General Westmoreland was signed on August 15, 1965, granting command of Australian forces to the U.S. Commander in South Vietnam, with the U.S. providing logistical and administrative support. By the end of 1965, the Australian presence in South Vietnam had increased to 1,557 personnel. In March 1966, the Australian government established the 1st Australian Task Force, stationed in Phuoc Tuy, to undertake counterinsurgency operations that integrated military and civilian efforts.
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Establishing the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group in the sand dunes at Vũng Tàu in 1966 . Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth.
From 1966 to 1970, the 1st Australian Task Force participated in the "pacification" program. During the initial phase, they established connections with local civilians. In the subsequent phase, they surveyed "strategic hamlets" to outline the "pacification" initiative, which required U.S. support for construction materials. In addition to "pacification," the 1st Australian Task Force also engaged in "search and destroy" operations in collaboration with U.S. forces and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. They were skilled in discovering and exploiting the Viet Cong's extensive tunnel networks, earning them the nickname "diggers."
In March 1966, following a raid by revolutionary armed forces on Vung Tau Airport, the U.S. and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) transformed Vung Tau into a major logistics hub and a crucial base for Australian forces. From May to June 1966, the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, along with an Australian battalion, initiated Operation HardiHood against the liberated areas along Provincial Route 2. However, strong resistance from local revolutionary forces forced the U.S.-Australian-ARVN troops to withdraw from Minh Dam base. In Ba Ria, U.S. forces transferred pacification responsibilities to the 1st Australian Infantry Regiment. By August 1966, the number of Australian troops in the area had exceeded 1,000. They also assisted the Saigon government in establishing the Vạn Kiếp training center, which specialized in guerrilla warfare training. On August 17, 1966, an ambush by liberation forces at Vườn Xoài surprised the Australians, marking their largest confrontation with the liberation forces during the conflict. After their defeat at Long Tan, the Australians launched larger operations against resistance strongholds, collaborating with the ARVN to consolidate populations into “strategic hamlets” to disrupt the revolutionary movement.
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Prime Minister Harold Holt visits 1RAR at Biên Hòa, 1966. Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth.
Between October 1966 and June 1967, the U.S. and its allies initiated a strategic counteroffensive during the second dry season. Australian forces bolstered pacification efforts, concentrating on Long Đất, where they constructed an 11-kilometer barrier to disrupt traffic and isolate the Minh Đạm base. By July 1967, the Australians implemented "minefield" tactics in collaboration with special forces, creating significant challenges for the revolutionary forces.
By late 1967 and early 1968, Australia boosted its personnel to 7,661 and adopted the "bunker" tactic to encircle three communes in the Dat Do region (Phước Thọ, Phước Thạnh, Phước Hòa Long), creating a barrier to prevent revolutionary forces from entering. Once the bunker systems were completed, the U.S.-Australian alliance gradually moved in to capture revolutionary fighters.
During the Tet Offensive in 1968, Australian forces, in collaboration with the ARVN, launched counterattacks to halt the advances of the revolutionary troops. After a year of resistance, the U.S.-Australian-ARVN coalition achieved certain outcomes, while the second and third phases of the revolutionary offensive suffered significant losses. Starting in June 1969, the 18th Division of the ARVN coordinated with American and Australian forces to operate in three key areas: Trảng Bom, Long Thành, Xuân Lộc, and along Provincial Route 2 extending to Bà Rịa, primarily employing tactics such as special operations, small ambushes, and large firepower assaults.
In 1969, Australian forces employed tactics involving "bunkers" and "barriers." In early 1970, they persisted with the "barrier" tactic to assault the Minh Đạm base. Although these tactics ultimately proved unsuccessful, they nonetheless posed significant challenges and inflicted considerable damage on the revolutionary forces.
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The commanding officer of 5RAR, Lieutenant Colonel John Warr (left), and the 5RAR intelligence officer, Captain Robert O’Neill, plan a cordon-and-search operation in 1967. Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth.
Throughout 1970, Australian forces consistently coordinated with American troops to conduct ambushes and bomb the Long Đất area, aiming to hinder and create challenges for the revolutionary forces. Despite these raids, the military and people of Long Đất, driven by patriotism and courage, remained steadfast in defending their territory. Utilizing guerrilla tactics, the forces and residents of Long Đất achieved notable victories: including the elimination of 527 Australian soldiers from combat, the disruption of the U.S.-Australian civil defense system with 1,119 personnel, the shooting down of 10 aircraft, and the destruction of 60 vehicles, including bulldozers. These military accomplishments dealt a significant psychological blow to the Australian forces operating in southern Vietnam.
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Prime Minister John Gorton visits the troops of 3RAR at Núi Đất, 1968. Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth
The Defeat of the Australian Forces at Long Đất and the Subsequent Withdrawal (1971-1973)
Over more than four years of implementing the pacification mission in Long Đất under U.S. guidance, Australian forces suffered substantial casualties. The goal of establishing Long Đất as a model pacified zone in the eastern region was ultimately undermined by resistance from both the revolutionary forces and the local community.
Soldiers of 7RAR await helicopters at Núi Đất base at the start of an operation, 1970. Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth.
In March 1971, the Australian Prime Minister announced a troop reduction in Vietnam. However, prior to a complete withdrawal, Australian forces, in coordination with American and ARVN troops, launched a major assault on the Minh Đạm base in June 1971. The objective was to eliminate the revolutionary headquarters of Long Đất district and facilitate a secure troop withdrawal. The sweep operation was intense, involving U.S. infantry, Australian tanks, and ARVN forces. Nevertheless, the revolutionary forces effectively utilized their firepower and minefields, inflicting heavy casualties on the allied forces. Once again, the U.S.-Australian plan proved unsuccessful.
An Australian Centurion tank in the border areas of Phước Tuy and Long Khánh provinces, 1971. Source: Edwards, P. F. (2014). Australia and the Vietnam War. NewSouth.
The defeats on the Bà Rịa battlefield, coupled with criticism from radical citizens within the country, compelled the Australian government to "de-escalate" and formulate a concrete withdrawal plan. On August 18, 1971, the Australian Prime Minister officially announced in Parliament that all Australian combat forces would be withdrawn from South Vietnam beginning in December 1971. On March 5, 1972, the last Australian logistics unit departed from Vũng Tàu. A 150-person advisory group remained in Vietnam for training purposes and also withdrew from South Vietnam on December 8, 1972. According to the Paris Agreement (1973), the U.S. and its allied forces were required to completely withdraw their troops, marking the official conclusion of Australia's military involvement in South Vietnam as a U.S. ally.
Writter: Nguyễn Hoàng Thái, Nhân viên Phòng Nghiên cứu – Sưu tầm.