Airmobility

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[Includes 2 charts, 12 maps, and 41 illustrations] The use of helicopters for troop movement gained prominence just before the Vietnam War, enhancing American forces' tactical flexibility, surprise, and mobility in the challenging terrain of Vietnam. Lieutenant General John J. Tolson, the author, has been engaged with the airmobile concept since June 1939, participating in the first tactical air movement of ground forces by the U.S. Army. He took part in all combat jumps of the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II, became an Army aviator in 1957, and later served as Director of Army Aviation and Commandant of the U.S. Army Aviation School. From April 1967 to July 1968, he was Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam. In his preface, Tolson notes that while Vietnam was the first major combat test of airmobility, key decisions made a decade earlier were crucial for air assault operations in Southeast Asia. This study highlights significant milestones leading to the formation of airmobile divisions, focusing on selected operations that exemplify various airmobile tactics, many of which are based on the author's personal experiences. He candidly discusses the pros and cons of airmobility to provide a broader perspective on the subject.