The Vietnam War began in 1956 when the United States attempted to prevent North Vietnam from spreading communism to South Vietnam. During this time, most of the men volunteered and some were even drafted. The United States supported South Vietnam in hopes of driving out the Communists by pushing them back. The war against American troops was difficult because American troops soon fought the communists in the south, called the Viet Cong; but also fighting against the North Vietnamese (Spector). As the war progressed, many American troops had sustained injuries fighting hard against North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. Over the years of the war, many battles were fought; one in particular is the battle of la Drang. On November 14, 1965, American troops decided to land in the Drang Valley using a new air mobility tactic as their first evasion against the North Vietnamese (Galloway YouTube). The Battle of La Drang lasted four days and three nights with many casualties; approximately 240 American soldiers were killed and over 300 wounded and approximately 1800 North Vietnamese soldiers were killed in the midst of the intense battle (Steinman 30). This battle was one of the first major battles between the United States and North Vietnam. The setting is a landing zone (LZ), code name, X-Ray, located in the central highlands just north of South Vietnam in 1965. Private First Class (PFC) Lei from the farmlands of Minnesota was drafted into the war and is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Air Cavalry, Airmobile, 1st Cavalry Division, in Charlie Company. His platoon sergeant is Sargent First Class (SFC) Schuette, followed by his squad leader, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Olson. PFC His journals of his war experiences, the things he sees... middle of paper... big deal and became an important tactic. He was able to make a difference in battles. With today's technology, bombing has become more accurate, jets are better able to support ground troops, and helicopters have improved. These improvements help with less friendly fires, better support in battles, and lethal when used against the enemy. Finally, the equipment used today is different from that of the past. An important improvement is the military helmet. The Advanced Combat Helmet was made so that it can stay on and not fall off. Another improvement would be the vest that the military has developed today. It has become better at stopping blows and causing fewer injuries to the body but protecting major organs. Today's medical equipment, weapons and warfare are much better than in the 1960s. But it was only feasible because of the lessons taught in those times.