"Frank Scotton, assigned to Viet Nam from 1962 to 1975, details counterinsurgency technique used and shares observations and conclusions about the challenges faced in the US's involvement in the Viet Nam War"--Provided by publisher.

Initiation -- An Lao valley -- Deterioration -- Demise of the first republic -- Long An hamlet survey -- Quang Ngai people's commandos -- Expansion and control issues -- Upgrading district forces -- Reflection 1965 -- Long way home to central Viet Nam -- Binh Dinh conflict -- Roles and missions -- Office of civil operations/macvcords -- Reflection 1967 -- Away but still connected -- Borneo and return to Viet Nam -- Headquarters MACVCORDS -- Adjustments -- Elections, governance, and the 1972 Pavn offensive -- Negotiations, ceasefire, and land rush -- Reflection 1973 -- The last chapter -- Deterioration and collapse of the second republic -- Long An hamlet survey guidelines -- The nature of irregular warfare -- Abbreviations and terms -- Persons of interest -- Notes -- Index.