Vietnam Studies: Airmobility 1961-1971 (£2.99)

The purpose of this study is to trace the evolution of airmobility in the U.S. Army. The integration of aircraft into the organic structure of the ground forces was as radical a change as the move from the horse to the truck.

Although Vietnam was the first large combat test of airmobility, air assault operations in Southeast Asia would not have been possible without certain key decisions a decade earlier. This study attempts to trace the most important milestones which led to the eventual formation of airmobile divisions.

It would be impossible in a single volume to adequately describe every airmobile operation in Vietnam during the years 1961-1971. Therefore, only selected operations have been chosen as examples of different airmobile tactics. Many of these were selected because of the author's personal knowledge.

This study is aimed at a broad audience, some of whom may only have a passing familiarity with Army aircraft systems. These systems are pictured in an extensive appendix with appropriate data on each.

Airmobility was no panacea; it brings with it many unique problems as well as unique capabilities. This study will give the reader some insight into both of these areas.

The author of this monograph, Lieutenant General John J. Tolson, had been involved with the airmobile concept since June 1939, when he participated in the first tactical air movement of ground forces by the U.S. Army. Participating in all the combat jumps of the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II, he became an Army aviator in 1957, and later served as Director of Army Aviation and Commandant of the U.S. Army Aviation School. From April 1967 to July 1968 he served as Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Vietnam.

Detailed Table of Contents:

I. THE GROWTH OF THE AIRMOBILE CONCEPT

• The First Airmobile Units in Vietnam; The Growth of the Concept; The Armed Helicopter; Staff Plans an Army Aircraft "Family"; The Rogers Board; Army-Air Force Differences; Vietnam Fleet Expands; The Events Leading to the Howze Board; The Howze Board; The Howze Board Report.

II. THE EARLY YEARS IN VIETNAM, 1961-1965I.

• The Army of the Republic of Vietnam Becomes Airmobile; Enemy Reaction; Early Problems; The Armed Helicopter in Vietnam; Techniques of Using the Armed Helicopter; Tactical Troop Transport; Methodology of the Early Air Assaults; The Eagle Flight; The Growing Aircraft Inventory; The Mohawk in Vietnam; The Caribou in Vietnam; Other Army Aviation Units in Vietnam; Increasing Viet Cong Threat.

III. THE EARLY YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1963-1965

• The Air Assault Tests; Joint Considerations; Formation of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

IV. THE FIRST AIRMOBILE DIVISION AND THE BUILDUP, 1965

• Buildup of U.S. Ground Forces; A Critique of an Air Assault; Aviation Support; Growing Pains; Deployment of the Cavalry; The An Khe Hub; The Ia Drang; Overview of 1965.

V. AIRMOBILITY COMES OF AGE, 1966

• Airmobility in the Delta; Airmobile Logistics; The Army's "Aircraft Carrier"; The 1st Cavalry Division in Binh Dinh; The Role of the Chinook; Operation Crazy Horse.

VI. AIRMOBILE DEVELOPMENTS, 1966

• The Genesis of the 1st Aviation Brigade; The Caribou Transfer; Army Aviation Personnel; "Arc Light"; Techniques of the 101st; Airmobility and the U.S. "Presence"; Fall, 1966; Artillery in the Airmobile Concept; Other Operations.

VII. THE PEAK YEAR, 1967

• Parachute Assault in Vietnam; Change of Command; Operation Lejeune; The Cavalry Spread Thin; Reconnaissance in Force; The Chinook as a "Bomber" and "Flying Tank"; Armor in an Airmobile Division?; The "Cobra" Arrives; DECCA; "Fire Brigades" Sent North; Operation Pershing Continues; Tam Quan; 1967 Draws to a Close.

VIII. TET, 1968

• Summary of Operation Pershing; The Enemy Tet Offensive; The Tet Offensive at Quang Tri; The Move North; The Battle of Quang Tri City; The 1st Cavalry at Hue; Summary of Tet.

IX. MAJOR OPERATIONS, 1968

• Khe Sanh; Operation Pegasus; 9th Division in the Delta; The A Shau Valley.

X. AIRMOBILE DEVELOPMENTS, 1968

• Change of Command at Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; Enemy Helicopters?; The Second Airmobile Division; Thoughts on Leaving the Cavalry; Status of the 1st Aviation Brigade; An Example of Cordon Operations; The Cavalry Moves South.

XI. THE CHANGING WAR AND CAMBODIA, 1969-1970

• The Changing War; Supporting the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in the Delta; The Cavalry's Cambodian Campaign.

XII. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES AND LAOS, 1970-1971

• Organizational Changes; Into Laos; The Battle; Review of Airmobile Support During Lamson 719.

XIII. CONCLUSIONS

APPENDIX, ARMY AIRCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHS & GLOSSARY