Vietnam veteran levels of combat: Related to later violence?

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not a relationship exists between levels of combat experienced by Vietnam veterans and later perceptions of violence, violent attitudes, or violent behavior. Comparison groups included (1) heavy combat Vietnam veterans, (2) light combat Vietnam veterans, (3) Vietnam era veterans, and (4) nonveterans (civilians). Based upon the results of this study, levels of combat appear to be unrelated to postwar violent attitudes. Also, neither heavy nor light combat Vietnam veterans appear to engage in violent behavior any more than their Vietnam era veteran or civilian peers.