The U.S. Naval Advisory Effort in Vietnam

Main Themes and Topics

The U.S. Naval Advisory Effort in Vietnam by CDR R.W. Kirtley offers a compelling examination of the U.S. Navy's involvement in aiding the South Vietnamese Navy during the Vietnam War. Central to the book is the theme of "Vietnamization," a policy designed to shift the burden of combat from U.S. forces to their South Vietnamese counterparts, aiming to prepare them for continued conflict after American withdrawal. Kirtley elaborates on the Accelerated Turnover to the Vietnamese (ACTOV) program, highlighting its emphasis on speed and the inherent challenges of implementing such a drastic policy shift. The book underscores the futility and frustration experienced by advisors on the ground as they attempted to expedite the empowerment of South Vietnamese forces amidst a forced retreat.

Writing Style and Tone

CDR Kirtley combines a meticulous, first-hand narrative with analytical insights, providing readers with a detailed account of his experiences. His writing is clear and direct, reflecting a military precision that enriches the factual recounting of events. The tone is candid, often revealing the deep frustration and disillusionment felt by those involved in the advisory efforts. Kirtley's account is not just a military memoir, but a critical reflection on the strategic shortcomings that plagued the Vietnamization initiative and its execution.

Brief Summary

In this memoir, CDR Richard Kirtley recounts his tenure as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Navy Mobile Riverine Forces from 1970 to 1971. The narrative follows his mission to implement the Nixon administration's policy of Vietnamization, focusing on the ACTOV strategy. Kirtley offers a detailed description of the programs designed to transfer responsibilities from U.S. personnel to South Vietnamese forces, providing high-stakes training and supervision amidst a backdrop of political and military withdrawal. Through his account, readers gain insight into the complexities and ultimate failures of these efforts, set against the broader historical context of the Vietnam War's latter stages.