VVAW: Vietnam Veterans Against the War
VVAW Home
About VVAW
Contact Us
Membership
Commentary
Image Gallery
Upcoming Events
Vet Resources
VVAW Store
THE VETERAN
FAQ


Donate
THE VETERAN

Page 11
Download PDF of this full issue: v1n1.pdf (6.1 MB)

<< 10. Ready for the next war? In Southern Africa?12. Volunteer Service Organization >>

Guidelines for VVAW Marches and Guerrilla Theaters

By VVAW

[Printer-Friendly Version]

The purpose of these guidelines are to assure that the marches that have become a frequent part of VVAW activities on a national and local level are kept in the context of "Bringing the War Home". They should be educational as well as social gatherings for the membership.
1. In the planning of any march the route must be carefully selected.
A. The route must through the most populated area available.
B. If the period of marching includes a Sunday morning the route should pass as many churches as possible.
C. If schools are in session the route should pass as many schools as possible.
D. In all instances the route should pass shopping centers.
E. During summer months the route should include resorts, beaches, picnic areas, etc.
2. The amount of marching should whenever possible, be restricted to 10 miles a day; in no case should you plan more than 22 miles per day. We ain't as tough as we used to be.
3. Trucks and other vehicles should be restricted in number. Have as many are required for the transportation of food and gear and the required emergency medical vehicle. Unnecessary transport gets in the way. There should be one roving vehicle for general coordination.
4. Guerrilla theater should be conducted as often as possible but only when appropriate. The purpose of the theatres is to convey to people in a serious manner what we are talking about when we speak of interrogation, search and destroy, etc. It should be done where the largest amount of people can see it. There is no use in doing it for ourselves. The persons performing the theatre should be in front of the line of march and, if possible, rehearsed beforehand. People performing the theater should be rotated so everyone gets a chance at it. However use a few ex-grunts in all guerrilla theater. Designate at least five people to stay back and talk and leaflet the townspeople. Inform them of what they just witnessed.
5. At the culmination of the march, a rally is a good way to wind things up. To insure that people will be there plan publicity well in advance. When possible try to get a well known name in the area for a drawing card.
6. It is imperative that the party/trip aspect of these marches be eliminated. It must be clearly understood by the marchers the purpose behind them - going out to the people and bringing the war home. Save the party for later.
7. It goes without question that prior planning is of the utmost importance from proto-sans, locations of encampments, routes of march, to alternatives in case of emergencies for successful operations.
8. During these actions everyone should be informed as much as possible as to what is going on. The leadership should spread out its workload to several individuals.


<< 10. Ready for the next war? In Southern Africa?12. Volunteer Service Organization >>