A devastating and unfortunately very accurate account. Though the author touched on it, it is frightening how McNamara and the rest of LBJ’s inner circle were every day ignoring the advice of those on the ground and ordering worthless hits on civilian targets of no strategic importance, while ceasing operations showing signs of success - all on whims, all in a detached “let’s play Risk!” mindset. The war in Vietnam, like in Iraq, should have been over very quickly. Too bad we are universally led by people educated far beyond their intelligence and promoted far above their competence.
It is a miracle WWII was not a bigger bloodbath for the allies, given the inept political intervention by American politicians in the work of the generals then too. I guess the Germans had their own incompetent leaders to foist policies of failure upon their warriors.
Yes, but I do not recall that military leaders offered an alternative strategic vision. Westmoreland doesn’t seem to have much of one at all. On the other hand, no telling what he would have done if he had had as much authority as Eisenhower did.
indeed.