Minifigure – North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldier from the Vietnam War (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldier from the Vietnam War era (circa 1960s-1970s). The figure is shown from both a front and back view.

The soldier is depicted in the standard-issue olive-green uniform worn by the NVA. His most iconic piece of equipment is the olive-green pith helmet, known in Vietnamese as the mũ cối. This lightweight helmet was not designed for ballistic protection but was ideal for the hot, tropical climate of the jungle, shielding the wearer from the sun and rain. A small emblem, likely a star, is visible on the front.

Over his tunic, the soldier wears a canvas chest rig. This type of rig, often supplied by China and nicknamed a “Chicom chest rig,” was extremely common. It was designed to carry multiple ammunition magazines for the AK-47 assault rifle, as well as hand grenades or other small items. The rig was lightweight, simple, and highly effective for infantry moving through dense jungle. The figure’s face is printed with a scar, giving him the appearance of a veteran soldier.

Historical Background: The North Vietnamese Army (NVA), also officially known as the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN), was the military force of North Vietnam. Alongside the Viet Cong (VC), they fought a protracted war against the United States and the South Vietnamese government. NVA soldiers were known for their resilience, discipline, and mastery of jungle warfare, utilizing extensive tunnel networks and the Ho Chi Minh Trail to move men and supplies. This figure represents one of the frontline infantrymen who participated in this long and brutal conflict.