Boy Soldiers

Hmong fighters were paid a larger salary than their counterparts in the Royal Lao Army or the Pathet Lao. Many men were lured to enlist in the fighting forces less out of belief in a cause than out of economic necessity. Since the disruption of war made it impossible for people to survive by traditional agriculture, military pay often became essential. When a soldier was killed, a younger brother or son often took his place in the ranks, thus ensuring that the family would continue to receive a soldier’s pay.

Villages caught in the midst of the fighting were often expected to prove their loyalty to one side or the other by providing support in the form of supplies, intelligence, labor or enlistments. Late in the war, when manpower was depleted and recruitment was more difficult, younger and younger boys were enlisted. It was not uncommon for boys just entering their teens to be recruited or drafted. Some boys as young as ten years of age were given arms and uniforms. Some of these young soldiers were referred to as “carbine soldiers” because they were shorter than the rifles they carried.

The war in Laos ended nearly 30 years ago. Many American veterans of the Indochina War are now “senior citizens;” most are nearing retirement age. In contrast, it is not unusual to meet Hmong veterans who are still in their early 40’s.