Rolling Thunder 1965-68: Johnson's air war over Vietnam

Operation Rolling Thunder was a campaign to secure South Vietnam and deter the North from arming and supplying the Viet Cong. It was plagued by a poorly conceived strategy, political interference, and aircraft optimized for Cold War nuclear strikes, leading to its failure. However, its failure spurred a US renaissance in professionalism, fighter design, and combat pilot training.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 22 February 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Operation Rolling Thunder was a significant military campaign launched by the United States with the primary objective of ensuring security in South Vietnam and deterring the North from arming and supporting the Viet Cong. This operation pitted the world's most powerful air forces against the MiGs and missiles of a small Soviet client state. However, the success of Rolling Thunder was hindered by several factors. Firstly, the strategy employed was poorly conceived, resulting in a lack of coordination and effective targeting. Secondly, political interference in operational matters created unnecessary challenges and disruptions. Additionally, the aircraft used in Rolling Thunder were optimized for Cold War nuclear strikes rather than conventional warfare, which limited their effectiveness in the context of the conflict in Vietnam.

Despite these challenges, Rolling Thunder had a profound impact on the course of the Cold War. Its failure prompted a significant renaissance in professionalism, fighter design, and combat pilot training within the United States military. This shift in focus led to the development of more advanced aircraft and tactics that were better suited for modern warfare.

One of the most eminent air power experts in the United States, Dr. Richard P. Hallion, has written extensively about Operation Rolling Thunder and its significance in the Cold War. In his book, "Rolling Thunder: The Air War in Vietnam," Hallion provides a detailed account of the campaign's conception, execution, and the lessons learned from it. He explains how the operation was conceived as a way to apply pressure on the North Vietnamese government and force it to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

However, Hallion also highlights the flaws in the strategy and the factors that contributed to its failure. He points out that the operation was launched without a clear objective or exit strategy, leading to a prolonged and costly conflict. Additionally, political interference in operational matters created confusion and uncertainty among the aircrews, which in turn affected their performance and morale.

Despite these challenges, Rolling Thunder had a lasting impact on the United States military. It served as a wake-up call to the military leadership, highlighting the need for a more focused and effective approach to air warfare. The operation also led to the development of new technologies and tactics, such as precision bombing and air-to-air missiles, that were later used in other conflicts.

In conclusion, Operation Rolling Thunder was a significant military campaign that had a profound impact on the course of the Cold War. While its failure was due to a combination of factors, it prompted a significant shift in the United States military's approach to air warfare. The lessons learned from Rolling Thunder continue to be relevant today, as the military faces new challenges and threats in the 21st century.

\n Weight: 306g\n
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 7 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472823205\n \n