Vietnam War Tactics Analysis

In 1965, America’s fight against communism had spread to Southeast Asia, where the United States became involved in the Vietnam War to stop communism. Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson were all involved and helped aid the Vietnam War. Truman believed in a policy of containment and sent money, Eisenhower also sent money but believed in the domino theory. He sent advisors to help train the South Vietnamese troops and Johnson also sent troops and money. Westmoreland’s strategy was to fight a war of attrition. This meant to break the enemy’s morale, body count, use Agent Orange and Napalm, and perform search and destroy missions. The tactics they used were guerilla warfare, hit and run, and home field advantage (knowledge of jungle terrain).