US Tactics

• Search and Destroy

  The US helicoptered soldiers into villages, they would hunt for Vietcong before burning the villages to the ground, ensuring there was nowhere for the Vietcong to return to
• Napalm

  Explosive bombs containing petroleum jelly heated up to 800°c
• Agent orange

  Weedkiller used to defoliate the jungle to flush out the Vietcong. Caused birth defects for many future generations of Vietnamese children
• Vietnamisation

  President Nixon planned to remove all US troops and replace them with trained South Vietnamese troops, and supply them with weapons to fight the Vietcong
• Operation Rolling Thunder

  US used B52 bombers to attack military and industrial sites. When it didn't work, they targeted towns and cities. Campaign lasted 3 1/2 years instead of the planned 8 weeks.
• Strategic hamlets

  Peasants in South Vietnam were moved into fortified villages controlled by the US army. They were used to keep people under control and stop them helping the Vietcong.