Lessons from Air Interdiction in Vietnam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22480/revunifa.2009.21.772Keywords:
Air Power, Interdiction, Vietnam War, Learned lessonsAbstract
Recent documents produced by different nations agree that one of the most likely future scenarios in which the Armed Forces will be involved in the future is irregular warfare. In regards to the Air Force, contemporary conflicts also showed the increasing presence of two additional aspects: political restraints and limitations, for different reasons; and the will to employ Air Power, at least initially, for not to commit ground troops. These were also the circumstances under which the Vietnam War was fought, a conflict where Air Interdiction played a major role. This paper assesses the efficacy of interdiction in that particular event of history. Critically evaluating the related literature, it concludes that, in certain instances, the interdiction effort in Vietnam can be considered a tactical success, although it was never a strategic one. Finally, having identified enduring lessons, this paper presents ten propositions which may be useful to the modern Operational Level commander.
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Copyright (c) 2009 Enio Beal Júnior
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