Asymmetric by design
Rather than mirroring two identical armies, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam gives each faction its own strengths, equipment and tactics. The result is a very different feel depending on which side you're on.
United States Armed Forces
The US side leans on air mobility and firepower. Helicopters move troops and supplies across the battlefield, and only US forces field them. Expect strong fire support, commander abilities like napalm, and the ability to deploy spawn points from officers exiting helicopters.
Strengths: mobility, fire support, logistics by air. Weaknesses: helicopters are loud and visible; open ground favours them less in dense jungle.
North Vietnamese Army (NVA)
The NVA counters firepower with patience and ground knowledge. Their signature tool is the tunnel network — a system for moving unseen, ambushing, and surviving air attack. NVA boats can also transport and deploy supplies along the waterways.
Strengths: concealment, ambush, resilient logistics via tunnels and boats. Weaknesses: no helicopters; tunnels are destroyed when territory is lost.
Which should you choose?
If you like aggressive, mobile play with vehicles and firepower, go US. If you prefer ambush, flanking and out-thinking the enemy, the NVA will suit you. Both are viable — the difference is in how you win.