Nhân Dân Tự Vệ - People's Self Defense Force - VNCH

Postage stamp promoting the People's Self Defense Force, RVNHS Archive.

 

           The People's Self Defense Force (Nhân Dân Tự Vệ / NDTV) was established in June of 1968. The force was created as a means to arm civilians for self defense against enemy attacks in the wake of the Tet Offensive. People's Self Defense Force units were created throughout the Republic of Vietnam in both rural villages and large cities. The members of the these groups comprised those who were of age, but not currently in military service. A large number of women served in the force as armed combatants alongside male counterparts.

Members of the People's Self Defense Force on patrol

(note the force's insignia on the chest), 1960s.

Female members of the People's Self Defense Force, 1960s.

 

Postage stamp depicting male and female members of the People's Self Defense Force,

 RVNHS Archive.

 

           Members of the force received military training, and were given arms and equipment by the armed forces. Some members had previously served in the military, others had not. The precise size and scope of each People's Self Defense Force unit varied depending on the needs of the particular district.

A People's Self Defense Force unit on parade, image courtesy of VNAFMAMN.

 

Saigon Mayor Do Kien Nhieu presenting arms to newly trained female

People's Self Defense Force members, 1960s.

            Hundreds of thousands of citizens would serve at one point or another during the eight year history of the organization. Some served full-time in the force, others part-time. The nature of the force's activities was defensive. Patrols were mounted by local groups, and security posts on roadways and population centers were operated in support of the regular military forces. However, in times of emergency, People's Self Defense units were mobilized in full and could operate offensively.

Front cover of a People's Self Defense Force member's identification booklet, 1975,

RVNHS Archive.

 

Interior of a People's Self Defense Force member's identification booklet, 1975,

RVNHS Archive.

 

A People's Self Defense Force unit on patrol, February 1974, Kien Phong Province.

 

Postage stamp showing a member of the People's Self Defense Force, RVNHS Archive.