1. 1 End of Vietnam, Part III Lessons Learned

2. 2 The War in Southeast Asia Costs to the US  58,135 Americans killed, 153,000 wounded, 2500 missing in action  $141 billion spent  6.3 million tons of bombs dropped (12 times more than Korea, 2 times more than WW II)  2,257 aircraft lost ($3.1 billion value)  5.2 million combat sorties flown

3. 3  US reluctance to enter military conflicts that don’t directly threaten national interests  Congressional restriction on President’s ability to commit US military forces  Lessened public opinion of the government and the military  The all-volunteer military force  Increased emphasis on military resources, training and weapons The War in Southeast Asia Results

4. 4 The War in Southeast Asia Lessons Learned  US can’t win a counterinsurgency war in another country--only the people of that country can  Force and technology are of limited value in a “people’s war”  Before committing force, national leaders leaders must base decisions on realistic assessments

5. 5 More Lessons Learned  Know your enemy and know yourself  “Graduated Response” is an ineffective way to employ air power -- reduces surprise, flexibility and concentration of force  In a democracy, congressional and public support are critical, and difficult to get  Modern war is open to public scrutiny  Let those who understand war conduct it

6. 6 Competencies  Air Superiority  Precision Engagement  Global Attack  Rapid Global Mobility  Agile Combat Support

7. 7 Functions  Counterland Close Air Support Close Air Support Interdiction Interdiction  Airlift  Reconnaissance  Search and Rescue  Air Refueling  Strategic Attack

8. 8 Doctrine  Strategic attack and nuclear deterrence prior to Vietnam  Shift towards deterrence through strength and global attack