The World Was Screwed Up, and Maybe the Army Could Be A Solution…

Paul R.M. “Koa” Brooks
Title

DESCRIPTION

Paul “Koa” Brooks joined the Army in August of 1969 during the Vietnam War to get his life on the right track, and to get money for college after the war. He enlisted as a cook, and was sent to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. He discovered that he wasn’t much of a cook, and found that the life of an infantryman appealed to him. While in country, he reclassified and attended “Infantry School.” After completing his tour in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged from the Army. and attended college on the G.I. Bill. After graduating and teaching American History at New Mexico State University, he discovered that he missed the Army and reenlisted, eventually completing Officers Candidate School. He taught Military History at the United States Military Academy, served in a PsyOps unit, and deployed to Bosnia before retiring as a Major. In this interview, he discusses the war in Vietnam, the Army of the 80s and 90s, and working as a Government Contractor after retiring from the military.

VIDEO DETAILS

conflicts Vietnam War
topics Courage Military Techniques PTSD Peacekeeping
interviewer David Siry
date 09 October 2015

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

name Paul R.M. “Koa” Brooks
institution New Mexico State University
graduation year 1976
service Infantry / Armor
unit 173rd Airborne Brigade and 3/73rd Armor 82nd Airborne Division
service dates 1969
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