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On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War

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On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War
Image of 1995 book cover. White lettering for title on black background. No pictures.
1995 Book cover
AuthorHarry G.Summers, Jr.
SubjectStrategy; United States; Vietnam War 1961-1975
GenreNon-fiction
Published1982
PublisherPresidio Press
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint, E-book, Audio
Pages225
ISBN9780891415633 9780891411567
OCLC42207737
WebsiteOfficial website

On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War is a nonfiction book, assessing what went wrong with United States strategy during the Vietnam War. It was published in 1982 by Presidio Press, and written with the benefit of hindsight by Harry G. Summers, Jr.[1][2][3][4][5] Summers was a U.S. Army veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam war, and he later retired as a United States Army Colonel.[6][7]

Synopsis

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Summers says that despite the United States' military achievements in the Vietnam War, it was consistently on the defensive strategically. He also says that the U.S. lacked a comprehensive war plan and relied solely on a military tactical approaches, along with grand tactics.[1] Hence, Summers analyzes the war through the lens of Clausewitz's military theories and his principles of war, finding that the U.S. neglected or lost sight of nearly all of them, at one time or another throughout the war. Conversely, the North Vietnamese adhered to these principles and ultimately achieved victory.[1]

Summers's text reveals several individuals and factors that contributed to the outcome of this war. President Johnson, was known for having a disdain for the military and he decided to prioritize domestic policies, such as his "Great Society" programs over the war effort.[1] Also, Johnson did not seek, nor did Congress provide, a formal declaration of war. Additionally, his administration did not mobilize public support, which hindered the ability of the United States to achieve its goals, which led to a lack of clarity of purpose in executing its war aims.[1]

About the book

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Beginning in 1982, this book has been published and distributed as a paperback throughout the U.S. Army and the Defense establishment. It has also been used as a student text at the Army War College, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Marine Corp Amphibious Warfare School.[8]

The layout of the book includes a "Forward" by Major General USA Jack Meritt. This is followed by an introductory chapter entitled "Tactical victory, strategic defeat." Then the book is divided into two parts. Part one is entitled "The Environment." Part two is entitled "The Engagement." There is also an "Epilogue", an Appendix, a Selected Bibliography section, an Index, and a "Biographical Note". [9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Swarztrauber, S. A.; Summers, Harry G. (1983). "Reviewed work: On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War, Harry G. Summers Jr". Naval War College Review. 36 (2): 81–83. JSTOR 44636281.
  2. ^ Hess, Gary R. (1986). "The Military Perspective on Strategy in Vietnam: Harry G. Summers's "On Strategy" and Bruce Palmer's "The 25-Year War"". Diplomatic History. 10 (1): 91–106. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7709.1986.tb00452.x. JSTOR 24911683.
  3. ^ Schlight, John; Summers, Harry G. (1983). "Reviewed work: THE WARS IN VIETNAM, 1954-1980, Edgar O'Ballance; ON STRATEGY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VIETNAM WAR, Harry G. Summers Jr". Aerospace Historian. 30 (4): 282. JSTOR 44525230.
  4. ^ Marr, David G.; Summers, Harry G. (1983). "Reviewed work: On Strategy, Harry G. Summers, Jr.; Silence Was a Weapon: The Vietnam War in the Villages. A Personal Perspective, Stuart A. Herrington". Pacific Affairs. 56 (3): 594–595. doi:10.2307/2758249. JSTOR 2758249.
  5. ^ Cohen, Warren I. (1987). "Vietnam: New Light on the Nature of the War?". The International History Review. 9: 108–116. doi:10.1080/07075332.1987.9640436.JSTOR 40105702
  6. ^ "Army Colonel Harry G. Summers Jr., 67". The Washington Post. November 18, 1999. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  7. ^ Thruber, Jon (November 18, 1999). "Col. Harry Summers Jr.; Author, Analyst". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  8. ^ Summers, Harry G. (1982). "Acknowledgements". On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War. Presidio Press. pp. ix–xi. ISBN 9780891415633.
  9. ^ Summers, Harry G. (1982). On Strategy: A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War. Presidio Press. ISBN 9780891415633.
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Further reading

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