American military strategy was flawed from the beginning from "summary" of A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan
The American military strategy in Vietnam had its roots in a flawed understanding of the conflict. It was based on the assumption that the United States could win a war in a far-off land through superior firepower and technology. This belief was deeply ingrained in the American military establishment, which had been shaped by the experiences of World War II and the Korean War. The architects of this strategy believed that the key to victory lay in destroying the enemy's will to fight through overwhelming force. They saw the conflict in Vietnam as a test of American resolve and determination, and were confident that the enemy would eventually be worn down by the relentless application of military power. However, this approach failed to take into account the nature of the enemy they were facing. The Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army were highly motivated and adaptable adversaries who were fighting for their homeland. They were willing to endure tremendous hardships and sacrifices in order to achieve their goals, and were not easily deterred by American military might. Furthermore, the American strategy was hampered by a lack of understanding of the political and social dynamics at play in Vietnam. The United States supported a succession of corrupt and unpopular governments in Saigon, alienating large segments of the Vietnamese population and driving them into the arms of the enemy. As the war dragged on, it became increasingly clear that the American military strategy was not working. Despite massive bombing campaigns and ground offensives, the enemy continued to fight tenaciously and the war showed no signs of ending. The American people grew disillusioned with the conflict, leading to widespread protests and unrest at home.- The flawed American military strategy in Vietnam was a product of hubris and ignorance. It was based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the conflict and the capabilities of the enemy. As a result, the United States found itself mired in a costly and unwinnable war that would ultimately end in defeat and humiliation.
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