The intent of this paper is to examine the competing operational leadershipphilosophies of Gen Depuy and LtGen Krulak during the Vietnam War. The larger issue in question assesses the appropriate strategy for conducting counterinsurgercy warfare. Depuy espoused a war of attrition while Krulak advocated a pacification theory. In order to structure this comparison, the different philosophies are analyzed within the framework of operational design and the principles of military operations other than war. The conclusion acknowledges that every insurgency is unique and that there is no absolute formula for victory, but that Krulak's method offered a higher probability of success given the circumstances of this conflict.
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