An Evolution in Ground, Air and Sea Warfare
There is perhaps no more memorable symbol of the Vietnam War
than the helicopter, but many other new tactics and weapons systems
were also developed.
In
response to the heavy air defenses of North Vietnam, the Air Force developed
the "Wild Weasel" surface-to-air missile suppression missions,
designed to detect and destroy the radar-guided air defense systems.
The Mobile Riverine Force, or "Brown Water
Navy," developed tactics utilizing small craft operating in the
rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta combined with Army ground forces
and Navy helicopter gunships to seek out the Viet Cong. And the Army
began using long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRPs), small units operating
independently in enemy-controlled territory, to seek out enemy forces
that could then be engaged by larger, better equipped units.
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