high as a kite

I was a squad leader with the field artillery during this time period. I spent appox.10 months at various fire bases in northern I corp very near the DMZ, then I was sent down south to Can Tho to finish my tour.

Just about everyone I knew or dealt with with few exceptions was smoking pot every day. I would also say that approx. one third to one half of my squads were addicted to heroin. I often had soldiers falling asleep(nodding off) during watch etc. It was impossible to halt this activity for fear of getting fragged or shot by the men. After really seeing what the war was about anyway, I quickly went into survival mode and just wanted to keep a low profile and return home alive. I really did not give a damm, rarely slept and counted my days.

I have often wondered how the heroin addicted guys did upon their return home. Basically, they would get short, cold turkey, pee in the cup for the drug test, then get high again minutes later. What a sad joke and the Army had not a clue.

The pot in the nam was truly powerfull. I can recall seeing colors. The pot at college upon returning was no comparison.

Regards and welcome home.