During the Vietnam War, this term designated the communist guerrilla force operating primarily in South Vietnam. The name, a pejorative short for “Viet Nam Cong San” (Vietnamese Communist), was initially used by opponents to describe the fighters. Their tactics focused on guerrilla warfare, political subversion, and coordination with the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) to destabilize the South Vietnamese government.
Understanding this entity is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the Vietnam War. Its effective use of unconventional warfare challenged the conventional military strategies of the United States and South Vietnam. The group’s influence extended beyond the battlefield, shaping political discourse and contributing significantly to the anti-war movement within the United States.
