The 1970s were a transformative decade for the military world, witnessing a complex mix of retreat and escalation. As the Vietnam War drew to a close and new global tensions emerged, the armed forces of various nations found themselves at the crossroads of traditional combat and modern warfare. The photos from this era offer a powerful glimpse into the lives of soldiers, the intensity of conflict, and the technology that shaped a new generation of warfare. These images capture moments of courage, loss, and change, leaving a lasting impression of the military experience in a time of transformation. Here are 20 military photos from the 1970s.
1. There’s no better spot for a photo shoot than on some ammo boxes.
This man was drafted right after finishing high school.
2. This man was a military spy in Vietnam.
He served with the US Army Intelligence Division.
3. 22-year-old in Vietnam in 1970.
This was the beginning of his second tour.
4. Special Ops in Vietnam.
Don’t mess with this crew.
5. Fess Parker visits soldiers in Vietnam.
He didn’t actually serve in Vietnam but visited to boost morale.
6. Boot camp in the ’70s.
You can tell this poor kid is having an awful time.
7. Ernest Delgado in Vietnam.
Having the blood type on the helmet is extremely eerie for some reason.
8. Serving with the SeaBees during Vietnam.
The Navy Seabee’s construction and medical skills proved to be extremely powerful weapons.
9. Best friends in Vietnam.
Navy Seabees and Marines had very similar uniforms, but these were marines.
10. Carlos Hathcock, 1970s in Vietnam.
They called him the white feather sniper.
11. A Marine saving a dog in Vietnam.
I’d be picking up every stray I saw over there.
12. A member of the Royal Thai Army, working with the U.S. Marines.
Having allies must be such a load off your shoulders.
13. Enjoy the little things.
No one truly knows it was babies who were fighting in that war.
14. Getting trained to go fight in Vietnam.
You can tell by his face he’s waiting to see some action.
15. A soldier in Vietnam decorates his helmet with a plastic ox.
If his goal was to look more menacing, it worked.
16. U.S. Marines preparing to take back a city from the enemy.
Strategy in war is one of the most crucial components.
17. On a sub in the Navy, late 1970s.
In the 70s, the hippies enlisted.
18. Navy SEAL preparing to secure a stream.
I wonder how SEAL training compares today to what it used to be.
19. 1970 Vietnam Army recruiting poster.
The United States has always been great at propaganda.
20. Mr. T after completing Army basic training.
Do you think basic training has gotten easier or harder since the ’80s?
