Accession Number : ADA182811

Title :   Comparison of the Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War and Application of Lessons to Solve El Salvador Problems and Appropriate U.S. Military Assistance

Descriptive Note : Student essay

Corporate Author : ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s) : Ahmad, Shari B

PDF Url : ADA182811

Report Date : 22 May 1987

Pagination or Media Count : 22

Abstract : The author compares the Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War in order to apply some lessons from the conflicts that may be of significance in solving the current problems facing El Salvador. Both authorities, Malaya and Vietnam, recognized that the center of gravity in the conflicts was the separation of the population from communist guerrilla's influence, and thus developed a strategy based on this perception. Due to huge differences in historical, political and social background and the means that were applied to achieve the objective, and the different timeframes the conflict took place, the outcome of the strategy was a success in Malaya and a failure in Vietnam. The author strongly feels that the strategy remains viable and continue to apply that in El Salvador but modifies the concept of operations to meet the means available and also recognizing the period of human rights.

Descriptors :   *COUNTERINSURGENCY, *INSURGENCY, CENTER OF GRAVITY, COMMUNISM, EL SALVADOR, GUERRILLA WARFARE, HISTORY, MALAYA, MILITARY ASSISTANCE, UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE, VIETNAM

Subject Categories : Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE