Background:

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was a conflict between communist North Vietnam, backed by China and the Soviet Union, and capitalist South Vietnam, supported by the US and its allies. The aim was reunification under a single government: communist for the North and Viet Cong rebels, capitalist for the South. The war, marked by severe combat, civilian casualties, and US anti-war protests, ended with Saigon's fall to the North and Vietnam's reunification under communism.

Air Power
KEY POINTS
  1. Operation Rolling Thunder: A prolonged bombing campaign aimed at discouraging North Vietnam's support for the Viet Cong.
  2. Air Mobility and CAS: The significant aid of airpower and helicopters to ground forces.
  3. Interdiction and Strategic Bombing: The disruption of enemy supply chains through bombing campaigns, which drew international criticism.
  4. Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare: The vital role of aerial surveillance and electronic tactics in providing intel on enemy movements.
  5. Psychological Operations and Innovations: The use of tactics aimed at demoralizing the enemy, paired with technological advancements like the AC-130 gunship and laser-guided bombs.
SEE:  MILITARY HISTORY INDEX PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY 
RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC
2883
Air & Space Power

AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS

Extensive reading about air power enables military air force professionals to improve their strategic thinking, stay up-to-date with technological advancements, learn from history, understand policy and doctrine, enhance their professional development, foster critical thinking, manage risks effectively, and promote better interoperability with allies.
90 minutes
2864
Military History

Air Power Saved South Vietnam in 1972, But Couldn't Win the War

This article discusses how airpower, specifically the U.S. Air Force and Navy, played a critical role in saving South Vietnam during the Easter Offensive of 1972.
7 minutes
2866
Military History

Could Airpower Have Won the Vietnam War?

This article explores the potential effectiveness of airpower in winning the Vietnam War, analyzing strategic, joint, and tactical aspects.
7 minutes
2868
Military History

Battle of Long Tan | Air Force

The RAAF's role in the Vietnam War, specifically the critical contribution of No. 9 Squadron helicopters during the Battle of Long Tan.
6 minutes
2875
Military History

Operation Linebacker: The Sea-Power Factor

Operation Linebacker, a naval and air campaign, played a crucial role in defeating the North Vietnamese Nguyen Hue Offensive and ending the Vietnam War.
9 minutes
2876
Military History

1972 - Operation Linebacker I

Operation Linebacker I was a 1972 U.S. aerial interdiction campaign against North Vietnam.
4 minutes
2877
Military History

1965 - Operation Rolling Thunder

Operation Rolling Thunder was a U.S. bombing campaign against North Vietnam from 1965 to 1968.
3 minutes