Conscription Reflections: Compulsory National Service in Australia (Vietnam War)

By Charles Palmer

This book paints a snapshot of my part in mandated active service, infamously known as 'national service' (in Australia), a policy that disrupted many families and communities leading up to and during the Vietnam War, with what ultimately turned out to be a massively negative national gain. The emerging disruption was the mental damage that many veterans suffered (and still do) with little acknowledgement or assistance.

This book is not a history of the Vietnam War (there are many excellent accounts available), but, in first-person format, it chronicles the profound impact the experience had on me and how it shaped my life during and after discharge.

I want to acknowledge my ever-patient wife, Liana, as I dedicated countless hours in the 'dungeon' (my office downstairs), pouring my heart and soul into this book until I was satisfied with the themes and content.

I have written this book to paint a snapshot of mandated active service, infamously known as 'national service' (in Australia), a policy that disrupted many families and communities leading up to and during the Vietnam War, with what ultimately turned out to be a massively negative national gain. The conscription process was for 19-year-old Australian males who were, at the time, too young to vote but old enough to go to war.

The war in Vietnam was ill-considered and, as it turned out, unwinnable. We had no business in Vietnam, as Australia was not threatened. It was a war driven by the US policy of 'stop communism at any cost, ' a mantra that led to many questionable decisions and actions.

I must express my deep gratitude to my ever-patient wife, Liana, as I disappeared into the 'dungeon' (my office downstairs) and wrote and rewrote this book until I was comfortable with the themes and content.

This acknowledgement extends to the public and university libraries, recognizing their invaluable role in providing access to a wealth of research materials. My collection is enriched with various books describing the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on those involved. These serve as a foundation for this narrative, contributing depth and authenticity. They are referenced in the bibliography at the end of this book.

I appreciated the suggestions and ideas from friends and colleagues who have contributed to this book. Their support and insights have been invaluable in shaping this narrative, and their contributions are a testament to the collaborative nature of this project.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FNX88H8N
• ISBN13: 9798298081115
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.1" x 6.1"