Accession Number:

ADA096424

Title:

A Study of Strategic Lessons Learned in Vietnam. Volume I. The Enemy

Descriptive Note:

Final rept

Corporate Author:

BDM CORP MCLEAN VA

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1979-11-30

Pagination or Media Count:

670.0

Abstract:

The chapters of this volume describe several key insights concerning the Communist Vietnamese in the period 1945-1975. These insights relate to decisions that were made and events that occurred, from which can be derived lessons concerning the Vietnam War. By their very nature, insights are specifically focused on the people, places, and historical events associated with Southeast Asia in general and, in this volume, particularly with the Communist Vietnamese. Lessons, on the other hand, must have a more general application if they are to be of value in the future. The lessons from Vietnam are not new to warfare. In the main they are lessons from earlier conflicts that were forgotten, misunderstood, or misapplied. Not surprisingly, however, a few lessons were applied properly. Because lessons are general in nature they usually appear to be platitudes. So, too, do the principles of war or the observation of von Clausewitz, or Napoleon, or Sun Tzu. This executive summary sets forth some insights and lessons that emerge solely from this volume -- The Enemy. Author

Descriptors:

• *VIETNAM
• *INSURGENCY
• *LIMITED WARFARE
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• USSR
• POLICIES
• MILITARY ASSISTANCE
• LEADERSHIP
• MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• POLITICAL ALLIANCES
• HISTORY
• ENEMY
• POLITICAL PARTIES
• CHINA
• COMMUNISTS
• NORTH VIETNAM
• SOUTH VIETNAM

Subject Categories:

• Humanities and History
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE