A historical review of the United States' policies from the Roosevelt to Nixon Administration that led to military involvement in Vietnam. Reviews the military polices instituted by the Army and MACV that were designed to encourage morale, continuity, and staying power. Provides a comparative analysis of the effects of unit cohesion and combat effectiveness from an initial unit deployment in 1966 to 1970 of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)