5. After 1969, there were deep questions about the efficiency of US troops. There was a serious drugs problem; desertion rates were high and morale low. Many troops were ‘time-servers’, i.e. counted the days until the tour was over.

6. The US never really understood the culture of the Vietnamese people. Coca Cola, chewing gum, Biros and Dayville’s ice cream could not buy off their ancient beliefs.

7. America was not prepared to keep losing high numbers of casualties for such limited progress in a difficult jungle war, for which they were not suited.