During the Vietnam War, Quang Binh province was well known for the Women’s Ngu Thuy Artillery Company, who fought against US battleships in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The company was established in 1967 and included 37 young women aged from 16 to 22.

There is now another women’s artillery company in the province in peace time. The Women’s Air Defense Artillery Company includes young women aged between 18 and 20 from Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province.

In addition to taking part in military exercises, these female artillery members cultivate and breed poultry for their daily meals.

The young women march in step.

They are trained to use artillery under the scorching sun.

Sweat on the face of artillery woman Hoang Thi Hong Nhung.

The young artillery women pose for a photo.

Solider Tra My breeds a flock of chickens after practice.

They take care of a vegetable garden after practice.

Nguyen Thi Thoi (L) – a member of the Women’s Ngu Thuy Artillery Company. 

Ngu Thuy artillery women in the past gather for a meeting under the company statue.