The Generals didn't know squat!
The
article, first posted on the Daily Beast, caused much debate among
our 'DECYC' members. I belong to the half who served. Opinions were
further divided because some agreed with the idea that we lost in
Vietnam even before the French surrendered.
Here
is the link to the complete piece.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-combat-advisers-in-vietnam-knew-the-score-and-got-ignored-3?source=facebook&via=desktop
but if you don't know how to copy and paste into your browser, forget
it! In addition there is a link to a book and a movie about a Lt.
Colonel Vann who got it right, right in the neck for speaking up!
Many
of the 'DECYC” members are reliving those times because of this
article. A few were draft dodgers, a few served in Nam and many
avoided the opportunity in one fashion or another like our current
President.
I am the odd ball! I spent the majority of my overseas
duty driving around Europe (mostly Germany) and France but then I was
picked for a secret mission to a South East Asia nation. Sadly, since
it was TDY I was never recorded on the 'books'!
In
my neck of Germany, we got way too many Korean G I's who carried rank
into our units and then were immediately busted. Those soldiers had
become Korean-ized which we didn't understand but saw the
undisciplined outcome. There was rank lying around for anyone with
time and grade. I was an 'acting Jack (temp Sargent) but had to re-up
to make the stripes permanent. No thanks!
In
true Army fashion, I was dragged along on several short visits to
'rice paddy' land by a Lt. Colonel who always got off the transports
in Thailand. Not me, I got a tour of the bush while the modified
weapons were tested by real troops in the field. Most Commanders
didn't want or need a security detail so I was free to roam around on
my own. As you might suspect, I quickly discover that wasn't the best
plan.
Then
it was back to General Depot Kaiserslautern so the brainiac's could
do more modification. I made sure I didn't miss that flight! A few
weeks later we went back for more field testing. Then Congress made
it's decision; Never mind Europe had a million excess unmodified
weapons, they would buy a bunch more M-16s.
The
Grunts guarding the rice paddies loved to grumble that the Generals
didn't know shit and I guess they were right? So why do we keep
turning out WWII style Generals and electing draft dodgers as
Presidents? You tell me! A squad of Vietcong irregulars often pinned
down several companies of ARVN troops or a company of our soldiers
with just unmodified AK47s.
The
Generals used time honored 'Ambush Intelligence'! They sent the
American troops walking through the jungle until they were ambushed
and that is how they knew where the enemy was. The ARVN troops hid in
compounds, never pursued and staged victory selfies!
The
most technologically advanced military in the world beaten by rice
farmers? Read the article!
https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-combat-advisers-in-vietnam-knew-the-score-and-got-ignored-3?source=facebook&via=desktop
This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All images are merely for humor and not meant to comment on subject. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Keep sending those great questions and comments! (Contact) boatguied@aol.com
This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All images are merely for humor and not meant to comment on subject. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Keep sending those great questions and comments! (Contact) boatguied@aol.com
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