From its founding in 1944 to its pivotal role in Vietnam’s reunification and modern peacekeeping efforts, the Vietnam People's Army celebrates 80 years of sacrifice and achievement.
On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024) and the 35th Anniversary of the All-People's National Defense Festival (December 22, 1989 - December 22, 2024), VietNamNet is honored to present readers with articles, stories, memories, and reflections that depict the image of Vietnam People’s Army soldiers - “born from the people, fighting for the people” - and the 80-year journey of building, fighting, and growing into a heroic force.
The first milestone was the establishment of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army Team on December 22, 1944. At 5 PM that day, in the forest located between the Hoang Hoa Tham and Tran Hung Dao communes (Tam Kim Commune, Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province, as it is known today), comrade Vo Nguyen Giap announced Ho Chi Minh’s directive and formally established the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army Team. The team was organized into three squads under the leadership of a Party cell.
The establishment of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army Team on December 22, 1944, marked the founding of the first regular main force of the Vietnam People’s Army.
The establishment ceremony of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army Team on December 22, 1944. Photo: VNA.
Right from its inception, this first regular army created a second critical hallmark for the heroic Vietnam People’s Army: the tradition of achieving decisive, sure victories, starting with its very first battles.
To fulfill its role as a propaganda team for building and expanding the armed forces, President Ho Chi Minh directed General Vo Nguyen Giap: “Within a month, there must be action to build trust among the soldiers and establish a tradition of swift and decisive operations for the army.” Acting on this directive, General Vo Nguyen Giap convened with the Party cell and the team’s command staff and decided to engage in battle immediately after the team’s formation.
To ensure victory in the first encounter, thereby setting the foundation for this tradition, General Vo Nguyen Giap and the leadership selected the enemy outposts at Phai Khat and Na Ngan as targets.
At 5 PM on December 25, 1944, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army Team launched a surprise and daring attack on the Phai Khat outpost (located in Kim Ma commune, Nguyen Binh district, now part of Tam Kim commune, Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang province). The following morning, on December 26, 1944, the team struck the Na Ngan outpost (in Cam Ly commune, now Hoa Tham commune, Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang province). The operations eliminated the commanders at both posts, captured all enemy soldiers, and seized their weapons, equipment, and supplies. These were the first two victories of Vietnam’s regular main force army, achieved immediately after its establishment.
The triumphs at Phai Khat and Na Ngan laid the groundwork for the army's tradition of decisive, sure victories.
Following these victories, in April 1945, the Northern Revolutionary Military Conference decided to unify the National Salvation Army, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, and other armed organizations into a single force called the Vietnam Liberation Army. Acting on the resolution, General Vo Nguyen Giap announced this unification on May 15, 1945, in Dinh Hoa district, Thai Nguyen province. This marked the third milestone in the 80-year development journey of the Vietnam People’s Army.
After the August Revolution, the Vietnam Liberation Army became the core force for establishing the military of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. In November 1945, it was renamed the National Defense Corps, also known as the National Defense Army, with approximately 50,000 personnel. On May 22, 1946, under Presidential Decree 71/SL, the National Defense Corps was renamed the Vietnam National Army, under the unified command of the General Staff.
Despite significant disparities in weapons, equipment, and logistics compared to the French army, the fledgling Vietnam National Army achieved stunning victories. The French colonial forces were unable to maintain their offensive momentum and were forced into a prolonged war.
The pivotal victory in the Autumn-Winter Campaign of 1947 in Viet Bac, which thwarted France's "quick attack, quick victory" strategy, marked the fourth milestone in the Vietnam People’s Army’s history. By the end of 1946, the army had successfully pinned French forces within cities and later ambushed and counterattacked during the Viet Bac campaign, forcing the enemy to adopt a long-term strategy.
In 1950, the Vietnam People’s Army secured a decisive victory in the Border Campaign, capturing strategic positions in Dong Khe and That Khe. This triumph completely dismantled the French defensive system along the Vietnam-China border in the northeastern arc, marking the fifth milestone in the army's heroic history.
On the afternoon of May 7, 1954, the flag bearing the words "Determined to Fight – Determined to Win" of the Vietnam People’s Army flew atop General De Castries’ bunker. The historic Dien Bien Phu Campaign had achieved total victory. Photo: VNA.
The victory of the Vietnamese army and people in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign was an earth-shattering event that shook the world. This triumph established the Vietnam People’s Army’s tradition of resolute determination to fight and win, demonstrating strategic ingenuity and tactical excellence.
After 56 days and nights of courageous, resourceful, and creative combat, the Vietnamese forces completely dismantled the entrenched fortifications of Dien Bien Phu. May 7, 1954, became a historic date marking the successful conclusion of the resistance war against French colonialism. This victory laid the foundation for forcing the French to concede defeat and withdraw from Vietnam.
On September 24, 1954, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam issued Decision No. 400/TTg, declaring: "The military of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam shall henceforth be officially named the Vietnam People’s Army (QĐND Việt Nam)."
This name has been used ever since and represents a crucial milestone in the 80-year journey of the Vietnam People’s Army.
The next significant chapter in the Vietnam People’s Army's history was its resounding victories during the resistance war against the United States, culminating in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign on April 30, 1975 - a shining landmark of Vietnam's history. Following this victory, the army also achieved success in defending the nation during the border wars.
Another monumental moment in the army's history came on October 17, 1989, when the Party Central Secretariat declared December 22, 1944, as both the founding day of the Vietnam People’s Army and the All-People’s National Defense Festival.
During the renewal process (Đổi Mới), under the principles of international integration, multilateralism, and diversification of foreign relations, as well as the early and proactive defense of the nation, the Vietnam People’s Army has continued to achieve new milestones. Its role extends beyond defense to laying the groundwork for socio-economic development and fostering international diplomacy.
The blue-beret soldiers set out on their mission to participate in peacekeeping operations.
The Vietnam People’s Army has steadfastly safeguarded the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, particularly the nation’s territorial sovereignty, ensuring security and defense stability. This has provided a foundation for the country’s economic, social, and diplomatic development.
The army has effectively fulfilled its international missions, delivering a message of Vietnam as a nation that cherishes peace, humanity, compassion, and loyalty. It positions itself as a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community, ready to collaborate in addressing global challenges.
By contributing to maintaining peace, fostering cooperation, and promoting development among nations, the Vietnam People’s Army has created new strategic positions and resources. It has upheld the nation’s defense proactively and from afar, using peaceful measures.
The military forces are searching for the bodies of victims buried by flash floods in Nu Village, Lao Cai.
Perhaps the most admirable legacy of the heroic Vietnam People’s Army during the renewal process is its significant contributions to combating the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as responding to natural disasters and conducting rescue and relief operations.
The image of military doctors, medical staff, and soldiers from various army units rushing to the front lines to contain the pandemic, along with the rescue efforts in Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai during the recent floods in northern Vietnam, will forever remain a beautiful testament to the “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.” These soldiers have truly sacrificed for the people, fighting for their safety and well-being.
This legacy of selflessness and service stands as a bright and enduring mark, further enriching the glorious history of the Vietnam People’s Army.
Dr. Pham Minh The Department of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
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