Is guerrilla warfare still effective?

Guerrilla warfare has been both underestimated and overestimated. Insurgencies have been getting more successful since 1956, but still lose most of the time. Guerrillas are most effective when able to operate with outside support — especially with conventional army units.

Did the Viet Cong win?

Although the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong sustained enormous casualties—upward of a million killed by wounds, disease and malnutrition—the communists eventually prevailed. American forces were deployed to South Vietnam to help that nation defend its territorial and political integrity—not to conquer North Vietnam.

Why did the Vietnamese use guerrilla warfare?

The basic aim of guerrilla warfare is to avoid a pitched battle with the enemy. The Vietcong used this as they could never hope to defeat the might of US forces in a battle. Their aim was to attack US troops in small groups, and then disappear into the surrounding countryside.

How does guerrilla warfare work?

Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants, such as paramilitary personnel, armed civilians, or irregulars, use military tactics including ambushes, sabotage, raids, petty warfare, hit-and-run tactics, and mobility, to fight a larger and less-mobile traditional military.

What was guerilla warfare in the Vietnam War?

Guerrilla warfare in the Vietnam War was an extremely deadly strategy used by the North Vietnamese forces.

What are some real life examples of guerrilla warfare?

A more current example of guerrilla warfare was practiced by the Viet Cong in South Vietnam against the government of South Vietnam, and the United States forces sent there to support the government.

How did the Viet Cong fight in the Vietnam War?

During the early years of the Vietnam War, insurgency and guerrilla warfare was the Viet Cong’s main tactics. With the most advanced efforts of the U.S., these primitive tactics still proved effective in combat. In 1975, the reunification of Vietnam was accomplished when North Vietnam invaded and defeated South Vietnam.

Was the Vietnam War fought without a strategy?

Critics of the Vietnam War say it was fought without any plan, any goal, or any strategy. Guerrilla warfare was heavily utilized by the North Vietnamese and, ultimately, very misunderstood by the United States military.