Vietnam Infantry Tactics cover

Description

Osprey's study of the evolving US, Viet Cong and NVA tactics at battalion level and below throughout the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Beginning with a description of the terrain, climate and the unique nature of operations in this theater of war, author Gordon Rottman, a Vietnam veteran himself, goes on to explain how unit organization was broken down by combatant forces and the impact this had on the kind of tactics they employed. In particular, Rottman highlights how units were organized in reality on the battlefield as opposed to their theoretical tables of organization.

US tactics included the standard US tactical doctrine as prescribed by several field manuals and in which leaders and troops were rigorously trained. But it also reveals how many American units developed innovative small unit tactics specifically tailored to the terrain and enemy practices. Key Free World Forces' tactics that will be discussed in detail include Command and Control, Combat Patrols and Ambushes, Counter-Ambushes, Defensive Perimeters, and Offensive Operations (sweeps, search and destroy, clear and secure). In contrast, this book reveals the tactics employed by Viet Cong and NVA units including their own Offensive Operations (attacking bases and installations, attacking moving forces), Reconnaissance, Movement Formations and Security, and Ambushes.

Table of Contents

Introduction /Infantry unit organization /Infantry weapons /Mobility /Fire support /Tactics in review /Small unit tactics /Small unit actions /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

Product details

Published Jun 21 2011
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781849085052
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 7 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Elite
Short code ELI 186
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gordon L. Rottman

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, vol…

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

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