Area Security

Francis James West

Expert InsightsPublished 1969

A discussion of the security strategy in the rural areas of Vietnam that must be developed by the GVN before U.S. withdrawal. The area security system would bring concerted pressure to the level where the VC are now in psychological charge. The system, employing ARVN bolstered by temporary American encadrement, has as its objectives the creation of inter-GVN responsibility and capability and the establishment of GVN control over the villages so as to retain flexibility in the face of varied enemy reactions. Defense of a populated area is undertaken by the ARVN integrated with the local forces using five tactical activities: surveillance, patrolling, defense, reaction, and pursuit. Combined with mobility and responsive command-and-control procedures, the strategy could provide spillover benefits when compared with alternative strategies — in terms of U.S. posture in Vietnam and at the negotiating table.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1969
  • Pages: 25
  • Document Number: P-3979-1

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West, Francis James, Area Security. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1969. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3979-1.html.
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