Mission Command Impact on Vietnam War

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Part 1: Apache Snow, Dong Ap BIA Outline (attached)

Part 2: Apache Snow, Don Ap Bia
I would provide a strong opening statement for your academic paper, and I would provide a clear foundational concept for your academic paper with the use of facts, dates etc. The improper use of the mission command principles can cost lives. During the Vietnam War, on May 10, 1969 Operation Apache Snow began, which would stop enemy infiltration from Laos into South Vietnam. As part of the offensive, the U.S. Army decided to launch an attack against Dong Ap Bia (Hill 937), which was a North Vietnamese stronghold. The U.S. commander ordered to take Hill 937 was Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Weldon Honeycutt the commander of the 3rd Battalion/187th Infantry Regiment. After a bombardment of Hill 937 with aerial and ground artillery, LTC Honeycutt deployed his troops "B", "C", and "D" company's and began the attack with "B" company. After 10 days of brutal fighting, 392 casualties, and almost continual artillery attacks, Hill 937 was taken by U.S. troops.

Mission Command: LTC Honeycutt Evaluation
Discuss mission command principles and LTC Honeycutt's military behaviors. The misuse of mission command principles by LTC Honeycutt led to a prolonged engagement and additional casualties. The concept of mission command is a philosophy that helps commanders make quick decisions in uncertain military environments (Department of the Army [Dept. of the Army], 2012). The six principles of the mission command philosophy are:
• Build cohesive teams through mutual trust
• Create shared understanding
• Provide a clear commander's intent
• Exercise disciplined initiative
• Use mission orders
• Accept prudent risk
"The principles of mission command assist commanders and staff in balancing the art ...