Vietnam Firebases 1965-73

Foster, Randy E.M.

ISBN 10: 1846031036 / ISBN 13: 9781846031038

Published by Osprey Publishing, 2007

About this Item

Impressive in terms of scale and structure, the Fire Support Base became a dominant element in ground maneuver during the Vietnam War. With a description of the design, development and operational history of the Fire Support Base, this book aims to provide the key to understanding one of the main assets of US battle strategy in the Vietnam War. Illustrator(s): Dennis, Peter. Series: Fortress. Num Pages: 64 pages, Illustrations. BIC Classification: HBJF; HBWS2; JWL. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 247 x 186 x 5. Weight in Grams: 222. . 2007. Paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9781846031038

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Vietnam Firebases 1965-73
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1846031036
• ISBN 13: 9781846031038
• Binding: Soft cover
• Illustrator: Dennis, Peter
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Impressive in terms of scale and structure, the Fire Support Base became a dominant element in ground maneuver during the Vietnam War. Initially a mobile base, it soon evolved into a semi-permanent and more sophisticated fortress as a result of enemy counterattacks and bombardments.

As a consequence, the majority of US and other allied troops found themselves pinned down in defensive or support roles, rather than being free to conduct 'search and destroy' or other mobile missions. Thus, the first and foremost function of the Fire Support Base was defensive. Troops, machine guns, mortars, artillery, surveillance radars, and command centers all had to be dug into bunkers and fire trenches by nightfall of the first day. Around these positions there would be deep belts of barbed wire, generously scattered with several different types of mines and even, in a few cases after 1967, with a brand new series of electronic sensors to detect and locate the enemy at a distance.

With the benefit of the on-site howitzers, the FSB could also deliver offensive high volume fire, reaching as far as 14,600m and eliminating enemy firing sites, supporting friendly infantry operations, or simply participating in fire missions where exact targets were not known. In fact, the fort offered such a degree of support and protection that ground maneuver was eventually hampered by the troop's reluctance to leave the comfort and safety of the FSB.

With a description of the design, development and operational history of the Fire Support Base, this book provides the key to understanding one of the main assets of US battle strategy in the Vietnam War.

About the Author

Randy E.M. Foster is an independent British military historian who has observed modern armies at close hand, including studies of NATO tactics in Germany. He has specialized in the Vietnam War, with his first articles on US tactics appearing in War in Peace magazine Nos. 48 and 50, in 1983-4. Since then he has contributed to the wargame press and he is currently active in the Battlefields Trust, for whom he is regional organizer for North-West England. He lives in Manchester, UK.