All there is to know about Vietnam’s legendary Long-Haired Army
During the Vietnam War, a remarkable group of women played a key role in the fight against American forces.
Known as the “Long-Haired Army,” this all-female unit emerged in the 1960s as part of a larger uprising in southern Vietnam called the Dong Khoi Movement.
The uprising began in Ben Tre Province in 1960.
During this time, villagers were angry about years of oppression under the government of Ngo Dinh Diem, which was supported by the United States.
Diem’s government broke the 1954 Geneva Agreement and used harsh laws to suppress communists. Thousands were executed, and many more were imprisoned.
In response, the people of Ben Tre fought back, led by female commander Nguyen Thi Dinh. Women from all walks of life joined the movement, determined to resist injustice. They used both political protests and weapons to fight the enemy.
The Long-Haired Army quickly became a symbol of courage. These women faced brutal raids, torture, and even death but refused to back down. They demanded justice for innocent victims and compensation for families who had suffered.
The movement spread from Ben Tre to other parts of southern Vietnam, inspiring others to join the fight.
By 1961, over 3,000 women in Ben Tre had become guerrilla fighters. They carried out daring missions, disrupted enemy operations, and played a major role in pushing back against American and South Vietnamese forces.
In 1964, the first all-female armed unit was formed in Ben Tre. Known as C710, it operated for ten years and achieved significant victories on the battlefield.
The Dong Khoi Movement, led by the Long-Haired Army, changed the course of the war in southern Vietnam.
It helped unite guerrilla forces across the region and led to the formation of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam in 1960.
Even today, the Long-Haired Army is remembered as a powerful example of women’s bravery and resilience.
In 2018, the women of Ben Tre were honoured with the title “Hero of the People's Armed Forces” for their extraordinary contributions to Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
