If your first instinct as a westerner is to criticize and lecture 3rd world communist movements, instead of learning from their successes, then you have internalized the patronizing arrogance of the colonial system you claim to oppose.
Militarily driving out the French and Burger imperialists was a prerequisite for their governmental success. After all, if they hadn't done that, they wouldn't be governing themselves in the first place.
Name one successful communist movement.
The DPRK defeated the US despite it killing 1 out of every 5 people, and having nearly half their country destroyed:
Vietnam suffered similar ruthless civilian bombing campaigns and massacres, and defeated the US.
Why are you arguing that their military movement is what made them successful? Vietnam is successful from their governance not because many died.
Militarily driving out the French and Burger imperialists was a prerequisite for their governmental success. After all, if they hadn't done that, they wouldn't be governing themselves in the first place.