Linebacker II, the December 1972 Vietnam War Air Campaign

摘要

This paper is an objective evaluation of the December 1972 Vietnam War air campaign, Linebacker II. It describes the evolution of the strategy, examines the campaign itself, and evaluates the results. Military success is measured only to the extent objectives in support of national policy are achieved. It is the thesis of this paper that Linebacker II was a military success primarily due to clear, obtainable objectives and the proper application of and commitment to use air power to its fullest capabilities. The principles of war will be used to support this assertion and will be the framework for the evaluation. Minimal target restrictions and rules of engagement enabled military commanders to design a strategy and execute an air campaign that achieved national objectives and, though not a perfect textbook example, apply the guidelines of the principles of war in a manner to achieve military success.