Strategic operations carried out by the American Army significantly evolved in the course of its history. This progress can be demonstrated by looking at the Battle of la Drange that took place in 1965 and the First Battle of Bull Run that occurred in 1861. They are separated by more than one hundred years. They can throw light on the changing tactics and strategies. It is possible to identify several important differences.
First of all, the development of technologies increased the speed of military operations and reduced their length. Moreover, they were instrumental in protecting the lives of many American soldiers. Nevertheless, there are several aspects of war that remain unchanged. In particular, in both cases commanders attached importance to quick relocation of forces, the logistics of the army, and close-range combat.
These are the main aspects that should be discussed. The analysis of these questions is important for understanding contemporary warfare.
At first glance it seems that it is almost impossible two compare these two battles because they are different in terms of ammunition, weaponry, or transportation means used by the troops. Nevertheless, one should not suppose that every aspect of military operation was changed. In particular, one can mention that in both cases, the speed of operations and mobility of forces was of great importance to the commanders.
For instance, during the Battle of Bull Run railways were used in order to transport troops from one location to another (De Paris 197). It was the first time when the troops were relocated in such a way (De Paris 197). During the Battle of la Drange military commanders relied on different means of transportation. Nevertheless, the speed of military operations was always of great significance to officers who fought in Vietnam.
Moreover, in both cases, the Army officers emphasized the coordination of troops. During the Battle of Bull Run, the Confederate Army achieved victory because soldiers representing different divisions understood the maneuvers of one another. The same thing can be said about people who fought in the Battle of la Drange. This is why American forces were able to gain victory in this battle.
Overall, the Battle of la Drange illustrates the importance of technologies for military technologies, for instance, massive artillery, the use of helicopters, napalm, and so forth. They increased the mortality, especially if one is speaking about the side that does not have advanced military equipment. In order to illustrate these arguments, one should look at several examples.
One of them is the extensive use of helicopters that were supposed to evacuate the wounded soldiers and move troops from location to another (Stewart 309). Such mobility was hardly possible during the First Battle of Bull Run. This is how the Army leaders were able to reduce the number of casualties. Moreover, the use of helicopters was essential for understanding the maneuvers of the opponent.
More importantly, the relocation of troops and supply of the army was also improved due to the use of aerorifle platoons (Stewart 309). This is one of the most important changes that one should pay attention to. Additionally, it is possible to notice that in the twentieth century the distance between opposing troops increased dramatically. The American soldiers did not have to enter a close combat by using aerial rockets and machine guns in order to attack the Viet Cong soldiers (Stewart 309).
The troops that were engaged in the Battle of Bull Run did not have this opportunity. This is why this military operation resulted in heavy casualties. These are the main differences that one can identify.
It should be noted that the Viet Cong forces understood that the American troops had an advantage in terms of fire power as well as technology. This is why Vietnamese soldiers attempted to engage into a close-range combat. Under such circumstances, the technical advantage of American troops was partly reduced.
Certainly, the Viet Cong forces sustained heavier casualties during this battle, but they believed that their strategies were successful because they could downplay the technical advantage of American troops at least to some extent. Thus, this case shows that the importance of close-range combat.
This aspect of military tactics was important for the soldiers who fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. Thus, one should not suppose that the development of weaponry or ammunition can entirely transform military operations carried out by American troops.
These examples indicate that military strategies can dramatically change within due to the development of technologies. By looking at these battles, one can see several important changes. It is possible to identify several the following trends:
- the increased distance between opposing troops;
- increased mobility of troops,
- improved logistics within the Army.
Nevertheless, one should remember that close-range combat can reduce the technical advantage that troops can have. This comparison shows that the change in military operations carried out by the American Army in the course of its history.
Works Cited
De Paris, Comte. The First Conflict, Volume 1, New York: Digital Scanning Inc, 2009. Print.
Stewart, Richard. American Military History. Volume II, Washington: Center of Military History, 2005. Print.