Diminishing Returns: Creighton Abrams Use of Operational Art to Plan the US Transition Out of Vietnam, 1968-1973

Abstract

Commanders and staffs use operational art to accomplish strategic/ political objectives by arranging and sequencing tactical actions in time, space, and purpose. This case study examines GEN Creighton Abrams cognitive processes and actions to evaluate the extent that he employed operational art to accomplish his mission as Commander, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) from 1968-1973 using a structured focused comparison case study methodology. The proposed hypotheses and research questions establish a framework for studying operational art across a broad spectrum of military campaigns and provide insights for Theater and Field Army commanders developing war plans.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 21, 2021
Accession Number
AD1161699

Entities

People

  • Andrew T. Shattuck

Organizations

  • School of Advanced Military Studies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Case Studies
  • Civil War
  • Cognition
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Instructors
  • Literature Surveys
  • Military Facilities
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Tactics
  • National Security
  • New York
  • South Vietnam
  • United States
  • Universities
  • Vietnam
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Library and Information Science/ Studies, Southeast Asia Studies, Bibliography of Vietnam and Lao Studies.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space