The use of technology is very prevalent in this scene, and is shown through many different ways. Helicopters were abundant in Vietnam, and illustrate the gap between American technology and the Viet Cong's primitive style of combat. Also, the majority of voiceovers and dialogue in this scene are spoken through the headset of helicopter pilots and passengers; another usage of technology. When the cavalry arrives at the beach, they begin firing on the Vietnamese village. Machine guns, .50 caliber shells, carpet-bombing, and eventually napalm are all used in the destruction of the village and the killing of the Vietnamese soldiers and civilians. Due to the immense firepower of the American military, the Viet Cong stood no chance in this attack. Although Kilgore and the Americans' success came as a result of their superior weaponry and technology, they struck at dawn when the Vietnamese were not suspecting the attack. Tactical knowledge and planning played a role in this scene, but the main reason for the Americans' victory was their firepower.
After the scene with Kilgore and his maniacal assault on the Vietnamese beach, the plot transitions into the heart of the story. Captain Willard finds himself on a patrol boat with four other men who are escorting him deep into the jungles of Cambodia without any knowledge of the mission they are aiding. In this scene, two hours and fourteen minutes into the movie, Chief is driving the boat as they enter into some heavy fog and smoke. Clean has already died, so there are only four members of the crew remaining. As the fog and smoke begins to lift, the boat is blasted with wooden arrows fired from soldiers hidden amongst the Cambodian Jungle. The arrows turn out to be dull and not dangerous, however, the crew's reaction is what makes this scene significant. The men have spent so long amidst violence and war that they are very aware of some of the primitive methods utilized by the Vietnamese, but are still caught off-guard.
