Accession Number:

AD0774217

Title:

Cost of the War in Vietnam

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLLEGE CARLISLE BARRACKS PA CARLISLE BARRACKS United States

Personal Author(s):

• Duke,Keith E.

Report Date:

1970-11-15

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

The direct costs of the War in Vietnam will reach 125 billion in FY 1971 and may reach 150 billion before the end of hostilities. However, this substantial sum is but a fraction of the total cost of the war which must include special economic aid to South Vietnam, the cost of the dead and wounded, veterans benefits, the cost of conscription, interest on the national debt to finance the war, and the cost of inflation to the civilian economy. Excluding the social costs, such as rising crime and increasing use of drugs which are in part related to the war, the total costs will probably be in excess of 750 billion. The extremely high overall costs of fighting a limited war with limited objectives indicates that the economic factor should loom large in policy considerations and strategic planning for the future.

Descriptors:

• VIETNAM
• LIMITED WARFARE

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE