The Vietnam War led a great impact on Australian society. Australian's were pushed to take the Cold War, Vietnam, the arms race (competition between nations in the building up of military resources) as well as other social and political issues very seriously.

For those Australian's who went to Vietnam, it was a terrible experience. After all they had been through, they returned home only to find hostility and anti-war demonstrations. The war had become immensely hated and the Australian public gave very little support and compassion.

It took almost 30 years for the troops to receive the traditional `welcome home' parade.

Australia was mesmerized by the fear of communism and the government defence policies were dominated by the idea that sending troops to fight potential enemies overseas was the best way to prevent war taking place on Australian land.

In 1962, the Australian government sent 30 Australian army advisors to South...