Vietnam War: U.S. Air Force Internal Secret History, “The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia

Description

USAF in Southeast Asia: The Advisory Years (1943-1965)

1943-1954: The Development of American Interest in Southeast Asia

• This period marks the initial engagement of the United States with Southeast Asia, likely in the context of World War II and the subsequent decolonization efforts, particularly regarding Indochina.

1950-1954 (within the “Advisory Years” scope):

• The document covers the beginning of the “Advisory Years” in 1950, indicating the start of direct U.S. involvement, likely through military aid and advisors, in Southeast Asia. This period also encompasses the end of the First Indochina War and the Geneva Accords in 1954, which significantly shaped the future of Vietnam.

1954-1959: Southeast Asian Regional and Country Defense Programs

• Following the division of Vietnam, the U.S. focused on building defense capabilities in South Vietnam and other allied nations in the region to counter the spread of communism, as per the containment policy. This likely involved military assistance and training programs.

1959-1962: Building Counterinsurgency Capabilities in South Vietnam

• As the insurgency by the Vietcong escalated in South Vietnam, the U.S. shifted its focus to developing counterinsurgency strategies and capabilities for the South Vietnamese forces. This included training, equipment, and advisory roles for American personnel.

1960-1962: Beginnings of the New Southeast Asian War in Laos

• The conflict in Laos intensified during this period, signifying an expansion of the regional Cold War struggle beyond Vietnam. This likely involved U.S. support for anti-communist forces in Laos.

1962: Air Actions Against the Vietcong

• This year saw the direct involvement of the U.S. Air Force in combat operations against the Vietcong in South Vietnam, marking an escalation in American military engagement.

1962-1963: The Neutralization of Laos

• Efforts were made during this time to achieve a neutral status for Laos, possibly through international agreements or political maneuvering, aiming to stabilize the region.

1962-1963: National Counterinsurgency Planning in Vietnam

• During this period, more comprehensive and coordinated national-level planning for counterinsurgency operations was undertaken in South Vietnam, likely with significant U.S. advisory input.

1963: Indecisive Operations and Political Collapse in South Vietnam

• This year was characterized by a lack of decisive military victories against the Vietcong and significant political instability within South Vietnam, culminating in the coup against Ngo Dinh Diem.

November 1964-February 1965: Months of Crisis in Vietnam and Laos

• This critical period saw a deepening of the crisis in both Vietnam and Laos, leading directly to major escalations in the U.S. role. This would precede the full-scale commitment of U.S. combat troops in 1965.

Cast of Characters

The provided source is a bibliographic entry for a historical report and does not explicitly name individuals other than the author. Therefore, based on the information given:

• Robert Frank Futrell: The author of the 666-page report titled “The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia – The Advisory Years 1950-1965.” He was affiliated with the Office of Air Force History Headquarters, United States Air Force, and created this report in 1971. His role is that of a historian documenting the Air Force’s involvement in the Vietnam War during its advisory phase.

Vietnam War: U.S. Air Force Internal Secret History, “The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia – The Advisory Years 1950-1965” – Download

The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia the Advisory Years, 1950-1965

A 666-page report created by Robert Frank Futrell of the Office of Air Force History Headquarters, United States Air Force in 1971.

Chapter Topics include:

The Development of American Interest in Southeast Asia, 1943-1954

Southeast Asian Regional and Country Defense Programs, 1954-1959

Beginnings Of the New Southeast Asian War in Laos, 1960-1962

Building Counterinsurgency Capabilities in South Vietnam, 1959-1962

Air Actions Against the Vietcong in 1962

The Neutralization of Laos, 1962-1963

National Counterinsurgency Planning in Vietnam, 1962-1963

Indecisive Operations and Political Collapse in South Vietnam, 1963

Months of Crisis in Vietnam and Laos, November 1964-February 1965