Why Vietnam’s military is not just an army but a total national force

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The People's Army of Vietnam is often misunderstood as a simple land service branch. In reality, it is the entire combined military force of the nation, encompassing air, sea, and ground components. Its unique structure and history reflect a philosophy of being from, for, and serving the people.

The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), or Vietnam People's Army (VPA), is the armed wing of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Unlike many nations that separate their military into distinct branches like a 'Ground Force' or 'Army,' Vietnam uses the umbrella term 'combined arms' to designate all ground troops, corps, and special forces under the Ministry of National Defence. This structure is more akin to the People's Liberation Army of China or the Red Army than the U.S. Army, which serves as a specific land service branch within a larger armed forces hierarchy.

The force originated in December 1944 as a small propaganda unit of thirty-one men and three women, tasked with mobilizing resistance against colonial occupiers. Over the following decades, it evolved through the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. By 1954, the force was formally named the People's Army of Vietnam, a title chosen by President Ho Chi Minh to emphasize its moral commitment to the populace. Its growth was rapid; by 1951, it had established several 'Steel and Iron' divisions that would eventually prove decisive in conflicts against French and U.S.-backed forces.

Beyond combat, the PAVN has played a central role in Vietnam's history, from the destruction of Champa to the reunification of the country in 1975. Its influence extended internationally through the 1990s, including the occupation of parts of Cambodia and Laos, and the training of various Marxist insurgencies in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Colombia. Today, the PAVN remains deeply integrated into the nation's fabric, participating in economic development, disaster relief, and industrial sectors, while maintaining a conscription model for males aged 18 to 25.

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