US Marine Advisors in South Vietnam: The Easter Offensive - Report Example

US Marine Advisors in South Vietnam: The Easter Offensive Role of US Marines in the SVMC during 68s USMC Down Draw: Historians have noted that 1968 was the defining year of the US Marine role in the Vietnam War. The US combat force had strongly committed to war in Vietnam since 1965, but when III Marine Amphibious Force rushed through Vietnam in 1968 it was indicated that potential and enthusiasm of navy men would bring an end to this conflict. A series of unforgettable events of USMC draw down took place after 1968 (Gilbert 4). For instance, earlier in 1968 the communist group had initiated popular military campaign known as Tet Offensive; this campaign was started against the US forces, Republic of Vietnam and their allies. This campaign put disastrous impacts on the US military, but they did not lose hope unlike those who were observing all incidents on their television screen. The US force sent more fighters to South Vietnam in order to fight back powerfully, but eventually responsibility of war turned back to South Vietnam and US military forces had to withdraw. It was noticed that the Tet Offensive outcomes resulted in damaged presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and after many months discussion, he ordered a strong halt of bombardment of all military force against North Vietnam and the thrilling campaign ended (Gilbert 23-64). Historians have revealed that after Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon was appointed as the president in 1969 and the program of Vietnamization was catalyzed to equip and train South Vietnamese for their own defense and to make US military forces withdraw from the war. Consequently, by the end of year first troop of US consisting of 69,000 men had withdrawn. However, it was observed that on March 9, 1970 the US marine took control over of the almost five provinces in extreme northern part of South Vietnam to the American army (Gilbert 84-141). Marines had great responsibility of this region as they initially landed at that zone of South Vietnam. The change in responsibility was observed out of Nixons decision of training and equipping South Vietnamese for their own fight and withdrawal of US troop from that region. It was noticed that when first marine departed from South Vietnam there was only one marine left that was 1st Marine Division (Gilbert 9). Unit Organization and Living Conditions: Researchers have discovered that pressure of the war forced to make particular changes at all levels in organizational structure of units and official table of organization as and tables of equipments were not properly followed by the troops in Vietnam. In 1968, the 13th Marines units were deployed to first field Artillery group; it was an interim organization unit under 1st Marine Division that was sent back in 1969. One Antitank organization appeared as an important division of the 27th Marine unit and the additional tanks were appropriately integrated into the two divisional tanks battalions. Later on, the service battalions were eliminated and an extra Motor Transport unit was added to the division structure and logistic functions were concentrated in FLC. Historical data also revealed that an amphibian tractor battalion, some force troops and a force reconnaissance were permanently attached to the divisions throughout 1965 to 1973 (Gilbert 19-22). Furthermore, it has been noticed that the US marine troops suffered hardships during the entire war and they lived in Northern Province, by the end of 1968 when Hai Van, allied operation passed. At that time I Corps faced contrasting problems due to large population of three Northern provinces and strong enemies infrastructure. Apart, from fighting against enemies they fought against hunger, treats from enemies and extreme weather (Smith). The 9th marine struggled up for operation an area between heavy jungles growth in fantrymen of the 2d battalion. It was noticed that enemy started an increase attacks during bad weather on 2 February 1969 and from the 2d Battalion of the 12th Marine troops a total of five killed and several wounded. Shulimson Jack has quoted in his historic study in the year 1982, "Marines more accustomed to fighting in the steamy jungle, learned the difficult and bloody lessons of urban warfare" (Jack 390). Change in Roles: Historians have noted that initially the US government agreed on aiding South Vietnamese against communist subversion and aggression for which additional efforts were made for their own motivation and assumption of a greater responsibility. Later on, in the beginning of 1969 General Creighton, General Westmoreland at MACV decided to advance the "one war" notion that in real identified nothing like separate war of big units. Ultimately, with this change in decision allied forces carried the battle to the enemies in almost all conflicted regions in collaboration with the US Marine Corps. It clearly shows that how withdrawal changed into strong assistance of South Vietnamese and through brave performances of the US Marine armed men (Smith). Role of Capt John Ripley in Easter Offensive: The Easter Offensive started on 2nd April in 1972, it was the key event of the war operations as North Vietnamese hit surface in South Vietnam with the air missile. An outstanding act of heroism by Marine Col. John Ripley is always remembered for the courageous attempt during the Easter Offensive. Historians have credited him for preventing a column of North Vietnamese tanks; he did so by blowing up a pair of bridge at Dong Ha and died at the age of 69. Further, it has been discovered that John Ripley attempted this bold act of blowing the bridge on the command of senior advisor to the 3rd ARNV. Consequently, enemies had to quit the idea of attacking from the Dong Ha Bridge and they intended to approach from western side (Brand and Usaf). Partnership between USMC and VNMC: Partnership of US Marine Corps and South Vietnamese Marine Corps was an important event of the history took place during Vietnam War. Researchers have analyzed that their partnership turned out to be very useful and advantageous for South Vietnamese. Key strengths of their partnerships included financial, military, advisory, and training assistance from the United States to Marine Corps of South Vietnam. They were fully supported during the wars against North Vietnamese until the US troops withdrew (Wiest 5). South Vietnameses fighters get advantage of fighting under guidance and supervision of the US senior advisors. On the other hand, it was noticed that the US government showed great interest in assisting and fighting against North Vietnamese. Historical studies have reflected that the US government promoted partnership with South Vietnamese because both of them were dictators and the US fear victory of communist group in North Vietnam. The US government believed that their partnership with South Vietnamese and fight against their enemies can strengthen their efforts against communists victory over the world (Wiest 41). Principles and Training Methods: Researchers have discovered that many of the training methods and principles applied during 1960s and 1970s Vietnam War can be considerably used today with marines in Afghanistan. At first place, it can be understood that in that era principles, themes and methods of cultural training was important and these are still important today because goal has not changed in context of rival against Afghanistan. Brislin pinpoints "Cross cultural training has as its purpose the development of attitudes and behaviors of US military personnel such as to enable them to function most effectively in a foreign environment" (Abbe and Gouge 14). During Vietnam War era The Marine Corps utilized the notion of "Operational Culture" and for military personnel; skills of understanding culture are needed to participate in war against Afghanistan. For example, The Personal Response Program was successful at that time and this program can help fighters to learn about their troops attitude during war. Second was Combine Action Platoon Program that is concerned beneficial for achieving social objectivity and skills to face culture shock and handling of effective relationships (Abbe and Gouge 14). Conclusion: From the above discussion, it can be concluded that the US Marine Corps showed great efforts in the War against North Vietnamese communist group. Additionally, US government intended to support South Vietnamese by all means and the brave armed men like John Ripley fought with enthusiasm and led their lives, but due to lack of political support and will they did not receive congressional medals. Works Cited Abbe, A and M. Gouge. "Cultural Training for Military Personnel:Revisiting the Vietnam Era." Military Revieq (2012): 9-17. Document. Brand, M and L. Usaf. Airpower and the 1972 Easter Offensive. PhD Thesis. Jefferson City: Webster University, 2007. Gilbert, E. The US Marine Corps in the Vietnam War: III Marine Amphibious Force 1965-75. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2006. Jack, S. "US Marines in Vietnam: An Expanding War 1966." History and Museum Division (1982): 390pp. Smith, C. US Marines in Vietnam High Mobility and Standown 1969. Washington DC: Department of the Navy: United States Marine Corps, 1988. Wiest, A. America and the Vietnam War: Re-Examining the Culture and History of a Generation. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2009. Read More