Written with complete access to Australian Department of Defence records and supported with personal interviews by the author, The Team provides a close insight into the Vietnam conflict and recounts a fascinating chapter in Australia's military history. Available literature on the Vietnam war focuses
overwhelmingly on the role of the allies, yet it was the Vietnamese who suffered its full force. This is their story and that of the Australian advisers who fought with them.
The Australian Army Training Team Vietnam consisted mostly of officers and warrant officers, experts in jungle warfare. From an original 30 in July 1962, the Team expanded to 100 in 1965 and reached over 200 before withdrawing in December 1972. Working individually and in small groups, members operated with the South Vietnamese Army, the Territorial Forces, the US Army Special Forces, and in programmes sponsored by the US Central Intelligence Agency.
Many worked close to the people in the provinces and districts. The experiences of the Team revealed the deep divisions which existed within South Vietnam, which, with the allied withdrawal, led to its collapse.
Stories of the heroism and sacrifice of the Australian advisers are many; four Victoria Crosses together with many other awards distinguish the Team as probably the most highly decorated unit for its size in the history of the Australian Army. The story reflects the bond which developed between American and Australian advisers. It exposes the clashes too, as different approaches to counter-insurgency were exacerbated under the stress of battle.
"A first-class book about a first-class group whose contribution to the effort in Vietnam far exceeded their numbers."
Denis Warner, Pacific Reporter
"A gripping narrative that reads on occasions like a best-seller ...
Compelling reading ... Provides a rare insight into the personal feelings of men in action."
British Army Review
"A worthy book, about worthy men."
Edward Masson, West Australian
Original jacket design by Pam Brewster. Cover photograph: Warrant Officer "Lockey" Scowcroft training Montagnards at the Special Forces camp, Pleiku, 1969. (AWM BEL-69-696-VN)
