1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
“I like to think of myself as open-minded when it comes to looking at the war from a new angle, but the book drones. Imo, it's essentially one chapter after another reiterating the fact that MACV's system for measuring progress was ineffective. There are two main gripes I have with the author's narrative. First, he inserts a disclaimer numerous times, stating that MACV had to constantly balance the twin threats from main force units and guerrilla activity but then comes down hard on the conventional proponents. He obviously thinks that pacification should have been MACV's main focus.
Secondly, I don't have issue with his condemnation of MACV's statistical apparatus, but the author proposes no alternatives. I was also (entirely my own fault) under the impression that the book was going to deal with tactical, strategic or operational concepts and their effectiveness, but it's primarily a critical analysis of systems analysis. There is a page or two on the airmobility concept, but that's all that I can remember. Worth a read, but I would save the money. The Chicago Public library didn't have it yet, but possibly yours would.”
Ryan L wrote this review Friday, February 17, 2012.
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