Air Defense Weapons In Vietnam War

The mission of Air Defense weapon systems is to protect the geopolitical interest of a nation from aerial attack, missile attack, and surveillance (FM 44-85 Chptr 1, 1997). The unit operating these tactical Air Defense weapon systems; prevent adversaries from penetrating our nation’s defensive postures within a given area of responsibility. Throughout modern United States ' military history, the use of air defense weaponry has proven its ability to protect and enhance not only our defensive posture but continue to protect our geopolitical interests such as our allies. One-way modern air defense weapon systems has aided in such protection was during the Vietnam War. Due to its lack of air power, North Vietnam helped push the United States …show more content…
The Geneva Conference sparked the start of the war after it divided Vietnam into the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). Due to economic and military treaty, the United States and South Vietnam began raids on North Vietnam in 1965 (Infoplease, n.d.). The United States provided multiple Air Defense Weapon systems that played a significant role in helping the South Vietnamese and United States forces. A peace agreement reached in 1973 lead to the United States withdraw from the war (Infoplease, …show more content…
These systems, combined with the AN/MSS-3 and the AN/TVS-3 searchlights, proved to be a useful asset during the war. The searchlights scanned the perimeter in its’ infrared mode so that the enemy would be unable to detect their position. Once the spotters noticed any enemy movement, they switched to visible mode for target illumination and engagement. The spotlights were also used to bounce the light off of clouds to improve vision for friendly patrols. The National Guard brought in these semi-obsolete weapon systems in the late fall of 1966 (ADA Units in Vietnam,