How did the Vietnam War affect morale among U.S. troops?

During the Vietnam War, the morale of U.S. troops significantly declined, particularly as the conflict progressed toward the late 1960s and early 1970s. The implementation of Vietnamization—a policy involving the gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces—contributed to this decline by highlighting the perceived pointlessness of the war to those remaining in the country.1

By 1970, serious issues regarding morale and leadership were widespread. These manifestations included:

• Increased Substance Abuse: A rise in drug abuse among personnel.1
• Racial Conflict: More frequent and severe racial incidents within the ranks.1
• Fragging: The deliberate maiming or murder of commissioned and noncommissioned officers by their own troops using fragmentation weapons.1
• Erosion of Conviction: Public awareness of the My Lai Massacre further undermined the belief in the righteousness of the U.S. military effort.1

These factors, combined with the broader social and political divisions in the United States, left the military deeply demoralized by the time combat units were withdrawn in 1973.12