In 1945, he secretly joined the Việt Minh, and participated in the uprising to overthrow the local government. From Commander of the Battalion 19 in Ba Tơ, he was promoted to Commander of the Regiment 96, then he went to the North for a regrouping. From 1964, he returned to the battlefield in Central Vietnam.

Photo: The unit protecting the corridor launched a campaign named Nguyễn Huệ (South Central Highlands) in July 1950. Comrade Giáp Văn Cương - Deputy Commander of the Operation Command (the middle man in shorts)

He held the following positions: Chief of Division 324, Division 3, Division 2, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Quảng-Đà Front. In October 1970, he held the position of Deputy Commander of Military Zone 4, and Deputy Commander of the Trail 9 - Northern Quảng Trị Front (B5).

Photo: First Secretary Lê Duẩn and comrade Giáp Văn Cương

In 1974, he was promoted to Major General, holding the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (1974 - 1975). In March 1977, he was assigned to be the Commander of the Navy. In 1984, he was appointed to Commander of the Navy for the second time. In 1988, he was promoted by the State from Vice Admiral to Admiral of the Navy, he was also the first admiral of the Vietnam Army.

Photo: Navy Admiral Giáp Văn Cương