Thesis: During the battle of Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam the effects of weather and terrain restricted offensive operations because it affects the timely employment of forces, command and control of forces, and the effective employment of weapons systems and equipment. Abstract: This paper discusses the effect and limitations that weather and terrain place on military operations. During the 1960's the American Army introduced the airmobile concept to overcome the limitations that terrain placed on the troops fighting in Vietnam. During the battle of the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam the airmobile concept had limited effectiveness. Weather and terrain still restricted offensive operations, employment of troops, weapons systems, equipment, and impacted the command and control of forces. Despite new technology weather and terrain can still impose restrictions on the employment of combat power if the United States Army doesn't learn to utilize new technology effectively.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.