Briefing on Guerrilla Warfare Definitions Insurgency An organized

Briefing on Guerrilla Warfare

Definitions Insurgency-- An organized movement aimed at the overthrow of a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict Guerrilla warfare-- Military and paramilitary operations conducted in enemy-held or hostile territory by irregular, predominantly indigenous forces.

Hearts and Minds The Vietcong are fighting a two-prong war. War against the Americans 2. Propaganda War Each side must attempt to win over the populace. Our Civil Affairs officer will be in charge of creating pamphlets in order to achieve this goal. We must provide aid and assistance to the population of Vietnam. 1.

Prerequisites and Other Conditions Required for or Conducive to an Insurgency Vulnerable population Will to resist Leadership available for Discipline direction Lack of government control Popular support Unity of effort Intelligence Propaganda Favorable environment External support

Insurgent Leadership Militarily they assembled a disciplined and potent force of an estimated 80, 000 fighters by 1965 Relied on speed, surprise, and deception to strike targets selected for the maximum psychological effect Used violence to coerce or win over the population and undermine the legitimacy of the South Vietnamese government A hit and run Viet Cong attack in 1968 leaves a South Vietnamese soldier and civilian dead as children run for cover.

External Support North Vietnam began constructing a massive supply route through Laos and Cambodia that allowed it to infiltrate supplies and personnel south The Ho Chi Minh Trail The Soviet Union and China provided equipment, advisors, and diplomatic support

4 Keys to Guerrilla Warfare Retreat when the enemy attacks 2. Raid when the enemy camps 3. Attack when the enemy tires 4. Pursue when the enemy retreats 1.

Things to Watch Out For…