Vintage Photos

20 Vintage Military Photos from the Seventies

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Left: Soldier wearing a helmet with handwritten notes and dog tags, smoking a cigarette. Right: Soldier crouched in dense foliage, holding a rifle, appearing alert and ready. Both images are in black and white.

The 1970s marked a fascinating chapter in military history. The Vietnam War had a lasting impact, Cold War tensions were running high, and armed forces all around the world were seeking a period of technological transition. Uniforms, equipment, and training styles all carried the unmistakable look of the decade, giving military life in the seventies a character entirely of its own.

These 20 vintage military photos capture moments both historic and personal. From soldiers during training to scenes on the battlefield, each image offers a look at the experiences of servicemen and women during the seventies. Together, they paint a picture of the atmosphere and realities of military life in a decade that now feels worlds away. Let’s take a look at 20 vintage military photos from the seventies.

1. There’s no better spot for a photo shoot than on some ammo boxes

A soldier in a military beret and camouflage pants sits atop wooden crates in an outdoor setting. His left leg is extended, and he holds onto one of the crates. The background features a clear sky and a blurred landscape.
blisteredblue

2. This man was a US Army Intelligence Division military spy in Vietnam

A man stands inside a tent, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and pants, with arms crossed. Behind him, another person in a t-shirt is working at a table with equipment. The tent is lit with natural light, and a table with a mug is visible.
themoldovanstoer

3. A 22-year-old in Vietnam, 1970

Man sitting on a chair in a military setting, wearing a sleeveless vest and camouflage pants. He is surrounded by wooden crates and sandbags with a large tent and some machinery in the background. The scene is outdoors in a grassy area.
weewoodriver38

4. Special Ops in Vietnam

Two soldiers with painted faces sit inside a military aircraft, wearing camouflaged uniforms and holding rifles. They are equipped with helmets, goggles, and gear, focused on their surroundings. Sunlight creates lens flares in the background.
jnnruthless

5. Fess Parker visits soldiers in Vietnam

A man in military attire is smiling while interacting with a shirtless person in the foreground. They are outdoors with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background. Other people in military clothing are visible in the distance.
grayson102110

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6. Boot camp in the ’70s

Two uniformed men yell at a person in military attire carrying a large bag. They are walking down a road in what appears to be a training facility, with barracks in the background. The scene conveys a sense of military discipline and training.
Wadeybb

You can just tell this poor kid is having an awful time.

7. Ernest Delgado in Vietnam

A black-and-white photo of a soldier wearing a helmet with names and doodles written on it. He has a cigarette in his mouth and a serious expression. The helmet shows months and tally marks. The background is blurred.
working_class_pride

Having the blood type on the helmet is extremely eerie for some reason.

8. Serving with the SeaBees during Vietnam

Sepia-toned photo of a person in a military uniform and cap, relaxing with a slight smile. They are surrounded by communication equipment, suggesting a wartime setting. A light-colored paper is tucked into their chest pocket.
kecemotrybecx

9. Best friends in Vietnam

Three soldiers in military attire sit on a jeep in a barren landscape. The central figure looks directly at the camera, while the others are smiling. All wear green uniforms and caps under a clear sky.
dorion00

Navy Seabees and Marines had very similar uniforms, but these were Marines.

10. Carlos Hathcock, 1970s in Vietnam

A person in military attire stands outside on grass, holding a rifle with one hand. Sandbags and a log structure are in the background, alongside a truck and utility poles. The scene appears to be in a military setting, under bright sunlight.
thanks2000

They called him the white feather sniper.

11. A Marine saving a dog in Vietnam

A soldier in military attire holds a small dog close to his chest. His expression is serious, and the backdrop features a grassy, hilly landscape with other soldiers in the distance.
kermitthesnail

12. A member of the Royal Thai Army, working with the U.S. Marines

A soldier stands in front of a sandbag wall, holding a rifle in one hand and a helmet in the other. He wears a military uniform and looks to the side. The image is in black and white.
userdeleted

13. Enjoy the little things

indaelgar

14. Getting trained to go fight in Vietnam

A soldier stands outdoors in front of a military building, wearing camouflage uniform and a helmet. He holds a rifle in one hand and has a bandolier of ammunition across his chest. His expression is serious.
cornczech66

15. A soldier in Vietnam decorates his helmet with a plastic ox

A soldier in a military uniform and helmet stands outdoors, looking to the side. A small toy bull is attached to his helmet. He holds a rifle, and the background is a landscape with dry grass and a pale sky.
eaglemaxie

16. U.S. Marines are preparing to take back a city from the enemy

Soldiers in combat gear take cover behind a damaged wall and tree, with one soldier crouching in the foreground holding a rifle. An American flag is hoisted on a makeshift pole made from a chair. Debris is scattered on the ground.
doc_Dante

17. On a sub in the Navy, late 1970s

A man with glasses and a patterned bandana sits cross-legged, holding an open book and touching his chin thoughtfully. He wears a work shirt with pens in the pocket, and various mechanical equipment surrounds him.
kelseyb

18. Navy SEAL preparing to secure a stream

A soldier in camouflage gear and a bandana crouches in dense foliage, holding a rifle. He is focused, looking through the leaves, with ammunition draped over his shoulder. Tropical plants surround him.
itoldya

I wonder how SEAL training compares today to what it used to be.

19. 1970 Vietnam Army recruiting poster

Two men in military uniforms are smiling. Text above reads, “We don’t make promises. We make guarantees.” Additional text at the bottom discusses career opportunities and enlisting in the army. Patches and medals are visible on their uniforms.
maxhollowayisthegoat

20. Mr. T, after completing Army basic training

A person in military uniform stands outdoors in a forested area, holding a shovel. The background shows tall trees and other soldiers. The scene has a vintage appearance, suggesting an older photograph.
luckygecko1

Want to see more vintage military content?

Check out 18 Yearbook and Military Academy Photos of War Heroes from WWI and WWII, or take a look at 24 Vintage Photos That Perfectly Capture WWI. Finally, if you want to see photos and facts from WWI, check out 20 Photos and Facts From WWI.

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Meet the Writer


Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.



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