Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Andrew Gee said it was important to recognise those who stood up when called upon to defend their country.
“Australia’s ‘Nashos’, as they are affectionately nicknamed, made a significant contribution to our nation’s defence forces and rightfully wear the title with pride,” Mr Gee said.
“I encourage all Australians to take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these men and ensure they continue to be appropriately remembered.
“The idea of compulsory military service would seem foreign to many Australians, particularly younger generations, but between 1951 and 1959, and again between 1964 and 1972, it was a reality for many young Aussie men.
“Around 227,000 men completed the compulsory six months’ recruit training during 1951-1959, but it was in the second period from 1964 when ‘Nashos’ were deployed in significant numbers.”
More than 804,000 men registered for national service between 1964 and 1972, with more than 63,000 called up to serve.
Of those, nearly 19,500 served in Borneo and Vietnam, while the remainder were part of support units in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
More than 15,000 served in the Vietnam War, where some 200 died and more than 1200 were wounded.
Mr Gee said it was a little known fact that from 1966, Australian infantry battalions in Vietnam were typically comprised of an equal mix of regular soldiers and national servicemen.
“At the time, most 20-year-old Australian men were required to register and were then selected for national service through the infamous ‘birthday ballot’, in which they were randomly selected by their date of birth,” he said.
“My uncle Geoff was a Nasho who served his country at Nui Dat in 1967. My family and I are incredibly proud of his service, as all Australians should be very proud of our Nashos who answered the call to serve their nation.
“They personify our Australian value of service above self.”
Learn more about the National Service scheme of the Vietnam War era by visiting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac portal at https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/conscription/birthday-ballot
