Night Air Operations in Vietnam: An Evolving Doctrine for Counterinsurgency.
Abstract
The thesis that air operations at night are evolving as doctrinal employment of air power for counterinsurgency is founded basically on the history of night air operations in Vietnam during the period 1962 through 1964. It became evident in 1962 that the developing pattern of conflict in Vietnam was a repetition of the insurgency/counterinsurgency experiences of other countries in previous times. Without regard to other factors, it was apparent that, militarily, history was repeating itself in Southeast Asia. Insurgent activity was largely night oriented, and the counterinsurgent was ill-prepared to conduct effective ground or air operations against the illusive night- fighting guerrilla. During 1963, night air operations developed rapidly and the tools, tactics, and techniques which were to bring significant results during 1964 were developed. A statistical analysis of the air operations during 1964 illustrates beyond doubt that the employment of air power at night was evolving as a normal, and in fact desirable utilization of this combat capability. The use of air power at night is evolving and will continue to evolve as doctrine for unconventional warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA371134
Entities
People
- David M. Murane
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College