Dolphins were trained by the military during the Vietnam War. Their contribution was mainly in the area of underwater surveillance. Their natural ability to use echolocation made them excellent at detecting things like mines and enemy divers. They were like living detectors in the water, providing crucial information to the military about potential underwater dangers.
The dolphins' contribution to the Vietnam War was significant yet controversial. Their highly sensitive sonar capabilities were harnessed by the military. They were trained to search for mines which were a major threat in the coastal and riverine areas of Vietnam. Also, they could detect enemy swimmers trying to carry out stealth attacks. Their use was a novel military tactic, but it also sparked debates about the ethics of using animals in warfare as these intelligent creatures were put in a dangerous and unnatural situation.