HISTORY OF THE SOUTH VIETNAMESE MARINE CORPS

An Outline of the Dalat

National Military Academy

Major Tran Ve

The Dalat National Military Academy was frequently called for short, the Dalat Military Academy since it was situated in Dalat. It was one of the famous military schools of the ARVN, and all officers for the army corps were trained there.

From the 16th class onwards, a full period of training lasted four years. Half of this period was devoted to academic studies, the other half, to hands on military training.

Later on, the full period of training was reduced to two years, due to the urgent need for men on the battle field. Consequently the 22nd class was divided into two groups: 22A had a training period of only two years, although 22B was able to complete the four year program. To enter the Dalat National Military Academy, one had to major in Mathematics in the High School Diploma.

After graduating, a student from the Academy held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant; his academic level would be equivalent to that of a first year university student. The Dalat Military school was a special concern of the Joint General Staff. The teaching body was composed of professors from Saigon University. The tactical teachers were experienced fighters from the Army Corps. Students thus gained knowledge which was both academic and military in nature. Upon their graduation, they became regular officers of the ARVN.

In 1962 I entered the 19th class of Dalat; I was an enthusiastic 20 year old wanting to protect the freedom of South Vietnam. There were about 400 students in my class, and were divided into 8 companies. There were many students at Dalat Military Academy during that period: four classes were being trained at the one time: the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th. When my 19th class was going to have an alpha promotion, the 16th class was ready to graduate from the Academy. Three senior classes taught the 19th class what they had learnt from their experience. “Sweating in the training field saves bleeding on the battle field” we were told. It is worth mentioning that all my class mates in the 19th, following their graduation chose to serve in fighting units such as the Airbourne Division, the Marine Corps, the Ranger Corps, or the Infantry. Nobody elected for office work or positions in administration.

I was among 29 others who were selected by the Marine Division Headquarters. - Our dream had come true. Throughout the war, the graduates of the 19th class chosen by the Marine Division fought courageously. Some eventually moved on, some gave their lives, and some are still alive in the Marine Corps, among them, Dinh Cong Thanh, To Van Cap, Tran Xuan Bang, Lam Van Minh, Tran Van Khanh, and myself.

  Major Tran Ve