Produced in 1963, this film report from the Pentagon details 1962 -- year of crisis and change. The film begins with an overview of the U.S. - Russian relationship and comments from Russian Premiere Nikita Khrushchev before quickly moving to the Vietnam Conflict. U.S. military advisors are seen working with South Vietnamese forces in the wake of the Battle of Ap Bac, and Sec. of Defense Robert McNamara visits fortified hamlets. Air commandoes, who serve as instructors and advisors to the South Vietnamese, are also shown including General Paul D. Harkins. The "fortified hamlet' concept is explained in more detail towards the end of the film at the 24 minute mark.

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is described at the 5:30 mark, and the Guantanamo Naval Base is shown.

Military aid to the Thai people versus Communist Laos is seen around the 8 minute mark -- the biggest military move in Asia since the Korean War for the United States.

The Berlin Wall is seen at the 10:30 mark, as well as front line NATO forces in Germany.

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara makes remarks around the 12 minute point.

Civil Defense is addressed at the 16:40 mark, with various fallout shelters and supplies seen.

Women in the services are seen at the 17 minute mark, with U.S. Army nurses getting most of the attention -- including work during an earthquake in Iran.

President Kennedy is seen at the 18:30 mark welcoming home troops at Andrews AFB and at the 27:00 mark where he addresses the U.S. Senate concerning the expenditure of $15 billion on nuclear defense for the U.S.A. in 1963 alone, more than the entire defense budget of all European allies. The President also eulogizes U.S. servicemen killed in the Cuba conflict, in South Korea, and in Vietnam. "Our task now and for all Americans is to live up to their commitment," states the President.

Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines are seen at the 21:30 mark, and coverage of the surface Navy including the nuclear cruiser Long Beach and the SEALs are seen at the 23:00 mark.

Participation of the military in the space program is detailed at the 26 minute mark, and the Minuteman missile is seen at 26:20 along with the Pershing missile and Atlas.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com