A contrapshun

MikeP · 11-20-2012, 08:33 PM

There were lots of guns smuggled out of VN.

This got more difficult as time went on and drugs fueled a lot of that.

By 1970 or so, it got real hard to smuggle as body searches as well as personal gear occured at outprocessing centers.

Lots of stuff went home inside speakers and stereo stuff which was bought cheap through the PACEX system.

Drugs were a major problem with a lot of rear area folks by then-a little discussed enemy strategy that was somewhat effective.

The big bases were like stateside installations. Lots of GIs with money and nowhere to go.

Racial incidents were a problem as well.

I made a trip home in 1969 and customs were a breeze. I made the same trip a year later, and they checked leaving VN and again arriving at Ft Lewis.

You were allowed one each souveneer weapon, but paperwork was such a hassle a lot of guys did not bother with them.

11-20-2012, 08:33 PM	#24
MikeP User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ILL Posts: 686 Thanks: 36 Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts	There were lots of guns smuggled out of VN. This got more difficult as time went on and drugs fueled a lot of that. By 1970 or so, it got real hard to smuggle as body searches as well as personal gear occured at outprocessing centers. Lots of stuff went home inside speakers and stereo stuff which was bought cheap through the PACEX system. Drugs were a major problem with a lot of rear area folks by then-a little discussed enemy strategy that was somewhat effective. The big bases were like stateside installations. Lots of GIs with money and nowhere to go. Racial incidents were a problem as well. I made a trip home in 1969 and customs were a breeze. I made the same trip a year later, and they checked leaving VN and again arriving at Ft Lewis. You were allowed one each souveneer weapon, but paperwork was such a hassle a lot of guys did not bother with them.