THE COLD WAR 1950 1973
THE VIETNAM WAR
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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search-and-destroy missions
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cease-and-desist missions
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search-and-rescue missions
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None of the above
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Detailed explanation-1: -Westmoreland adopted a strategy of attrition against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army, attempting to drain them of manpower and supplies. He also made use of the United States’ edge in artillery and air power, both in tactical confrontations and in relentless strategic bombing of North Vietnam.
Detailed explanation-2: -Beginning in 1965, Westmoreland sent large numbers of soldiers on “search and destroy” operations using helicopters and high-tech weapons to find and kill Viet Cong forces. Westmoreland’s strategy in Vietnam depended on the superiority of U.S. firepower, including intensive aerial bombardments of regular enemy units.
Detailed explanation-3: -NARRATOR: In Vietnam, General Westmoreland’s strategy was to fight a war of attrition. He called it “search and destroy.” American forces would search out the enemy, make contact, and then, with superior numbers and firepower, destroy him.
Detailed explanation-4: -William Westmoreland commanded U.S. forces in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. He treated the conflict as a war of attrition, which diminished domestic support. In December 1956 he was promoted to major general; at 42 years old, he was then the youngest person holding that rank in the U.S. Army.