World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Former Australian conscripts reunite at Vietnam-era training barracks
Close to 100 former Australian national servicemen reunited at Singleton, in New South Wales, where they trained decades ago.
About 63,000 men were drafted from 1965 to 1972 through a lottery based on their birthdays.
Nearly a third served in Vietnam, while others spent 18 to 24 months in non-combat roles.
Those who did not serve in Vietnam say they received less recognition and support than veterans who did.
From July 1, national servicemen became eligible for the same health benefits as other veterans after a decades-long fight.
The reunion renewed calls to recognise their service, as participants worry their stories may be lost as they age.
Former Australian national servicemen who trained during the Vietnam War returned to Singleton Training Area in New South Wales for a reunion.
Advocacy group Nasho Fair Go arranged for close to 100 former conscripts to attend.
About 63,000 men were drafted into national service between 1965 and 1972 through a birthday-based lottery.
Nearly a third served in Vietnam, while others spent 18 to 24 months in non-combat roles.
From July 1, national servicemen became eligible for the same health benefits as other veterans after a decades-long fight.
- Who
- Former Australian national servicemen, known as nashos, including Bob Gilligan and Ross Durham.
- What
- They returned to the barracks where they trained for a reunion.
- When
- The reunion took place around the time of the article’s publication on November 6, 2026. The article does not give the event’s exact date.
- Where
- Singleton Training Area in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
- Why
- Nasho Fair Go arranged the reunion. The group has campaigned for recognition and benefits for national servicemen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
About 63,000 men were drafted into national service using a lottery based on their birthdays.
Ross Durham arrived at Singleton for training.
Bob Gilligan received his conscription letter.
National servicemen became eligible for the same health benefits as other veterans; the article does not specify the year.
- Drafted
- About 63,000 men
- Conscription period
- 1965–1972
- Training location
- Singleton Training Area, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
- Reunion attendance
- Close to 100 nashos
- Service length
- 18 to 24 months
What people are saying
These guys would have been doing all the same stuff back then
All of a sudden, you just left your family, friends, work.
You live with this nervousness and you get pulled out of your current lifestyle.
I'd like to see more recognition … but unfortunately, as we all age, our numbers are diminishing