The Successes And Failures Of Us Involvement In The Vietnam War

THE SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF US INVOLVEMENT IN THE VIETNAM WAR
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Introduction
The Vietnam War has had far-reaching consequences for both US soldiers in Vietnam and American citizens at home. On many occasions, US soldiers have failed to hit targets while conducting Operation Rolling Thunder. At home, the huge funds that have been invested in the war have resulted in a cycle of inflation that has condemned minority groups, agricultural workers, and female-headed families to poor living standards. However, Congress enactment of the War Powers Act has emerged as a success since it will prohibit future presidents from sending troops into war without Congressional consent. Although the war seems unwinnable, the implementation of counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy in collaboration with South Vietnamese soldiers and civilian population will limit the area occupied by North Vietnamese, thus allowing US military to easily attack them. However, the success of the counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy is dependent on the deployment of experienced soldiers rather than the current young soldiers who seem vulnerable. As requested by President Johnson, this report highlights the failures and success of US involvement in the Vietnam War.
Success
At the time of writing this report, the US involvement in the Vietnam War has not recorded any form of victory or success in the battlefield. However, the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War has raised critical questions that relate to the power of the president. While making the decision to send soldiers into Vietnam, President Johnson did not seek the advice or permission of Congress or any other relevant body. Although President Johnson’s intentions were pure, another president may use such power for his/her own benefit. As a result, Congress has enacted the War Powers Act, which restricts a president from sending or deploying the country’s military into combat without Congressional approval. Although this may seem like an attack on the current administration, it ensures that future presidents do not misuse the only power that guarantees the safety of the country’s borders.
Failures
A significant failure of the US involvement in the Vietnam War is the inability of the military to hit targets in North Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Trail with bombs while conducting Operation Rolling Thunder. This difficulty is experienced because although the country’s military possesses conventional weapons, the battle is a guerilla war, which means it is fought in forests, jungles, and paddy fields across Vietnam. On the other hand, the Viet Cong blend in with the native population and attack US military personnel by ambush and often at night. Since this failure has been reported across the world in the media, the American public is convinced that the Pentagon is inflating enemy casualty figures to appease them. The inability to hit targets has demoralized military personnel, especially young soldiers. In the country, a combination of these factors has led to many Americans and foreign countries questioning the capability of the country’s military and the government’s commitment to internationalism.[Tucker, Spencer C., ed. The Enc...