Salute!
@ mixelNo kissing up!
Seems the member data by our avatars doesn't have my F-16.net interview, which is my basic bio.
http://www.f-16.net/interviews_article28.htmlThat should have a list of the planes I flew and more.....
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I may have to clarify my opinion about the effects of high tech weaponry and systems during the Vietnam debacle.
One of the biggest effects I saw was on collateral damage - it was greatly reduced due to LGB's and then the computed bomb systems we had such as in the 'vaark and SLUF.
We also saw more effective interdiction along the Trail, but too late to have a measureable effect on the overall outcome. The Spectres did great work, and in northern Laos the Pve Nails done good on various targets.
The other biggie was the nav systems at the "first end of the war" in early 1973, especially in the 'vaark and Sluf, but mainly the Sluf. Good grief! We had two complete systems - inertial and doppler. Then the projected map and a cosmic radar for nav and bombing in bad wx. So we could make a ToT within seconds and easily mark a route for getting the Jolly in and out on CSAR missions.
Secondly, many here and elsewhere have analyzed the strategic and tactical errors made by the U.S. and SEATO allies. This venue should be moved if we care to go into detail. That being said, my personal view was then ( second tour) and is now that politics ruled over military doctrine and tactics.
The vets of Vietnam gained flag rank, and refused to prosecute Desert Storm as they did in Vietnam. We also had a combat vet as POTUS, and he and his staff let the military do the military stuff with few restrictions.
Lastly, the Coalition was not hampered by urban fighting ROE, and things were easy to see, target and destroy compared to the terrain and weatherI flew in so long ago.
Gums pontificates...