Vietnam: How Did We Get There? Where Do We Go from Here?
Abstract
This paper begins with an examination of the question Vietnam: How Did We Get There? In Part I, twenty-three rationales for our involvement in Vietnam are analyzed, including a comparison of the views of the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson Administrations; and a comparison classified rationales with unclassified rationales. It then discusses the conduct of the war in terms of these rationales. Part II, examines why we failed to achieve our objectives in Vietnam and examines the limited war theories that governed our involvement. Part III, examines the question, Where Do We Go From Here? and draws three primary strategic lessons: (1) that public support is a critical factor in strategic planning, (2) that the US is not invincible, and (3) that there is a need for a consistent military strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA130700
Entities
People
- Lemos L. Fulmer Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College