FOLLOW-ON VSSG ACTIVITIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-20-1-2-5
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: November 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: January 18, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2013/08/07: LOC-HAK-20-1-2-5
MEMORANDUM up ?
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
Phil Odeen
Follow-on VSSG Activities
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The enclosed memorandum lays on the requirements for the
additional Vietnam studies agreed to at yesterday's SRG meeting.
While the general tasks to be done were agreed to at the meeting,
I believe the follow-on memorandum would be useful to ensure
that all of the information we will need is provided.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the enclosed memorandum (Tab A).
t)V
John Negroponte and Dick Keniie'dy concur.
NSS, DOS, OSD Reviews
Completed
SECRET
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IP IP
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SECRET /NODIS
MEMORANDUM FOR
The Under Secretary of State
The Deputy Secretary of Defense
The Director, Central Intelligence
SUBJECT: Vietnam Assessment
At the SRG meeting of January 17, 1972, it was agreed that there
should be a further evaluation of the military situation in Vietnam
and measures designed to improve U.S. and RVNAF military capa-
bilities in light of the enemy threats expected through July 1, 1972.
? In particular, the following areas should be examined:
-- The enemy threat. The earlier assessment should be
sharpened to evaluate specific enemy courses of action in MR-1
and MR-2 in light of the most recent infiltration information. The
timing as well as the scope of various courses of action should be
outlined.
-- The immediate actions, if any, required to ensure RVNAF
and U.S. readiness to cope with enemy activities. In particular,
the advantages and disadvantages of RVNAF ground/air effort,
including cross-border and interdiction operations, to pre-empt
an enemy offensive in northern South Vietnam should be examined.
-- The measures required to correct the RVNAF manpower
situation, particularly shortages in its combat units. The measures
evaluated should include among others (a) putting available manpower
into combat units, and (b) further measures to reduce desertions.
-- The recent series of GVN actions to improve leadership and
major remaining leadership problems.
SECRET /NODIS
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SECRET /NODIS
-- The airpower situation, particularly helicopter support,
required to carry out priority missions in South Vietnam. This
study should examine the capabilities of the planned South Vietnamese
force as well as alternatives involving (a) a greater RVNAF air
capability through, among other actions, provision of additional
lift and light helicopters and STOL aircraft, and (b) additional
artillery support.
? The size and composition of remaining U.S. forces in
Vietnam. In particular, alternative force structures should be
developed that vary in the emphasis given to (a) helicopter support,
(b) other air support, (c) advisory, (d) security, (e) logistics, and
(f) intelligence activities. The specific capabilities of these alter-
native postures should be assessed along with their long-term
implications.
This evaluation should be prepared by the Department of Defense
and CIA under the general direction of the VSSG Working Group.
It should be completed by January 24, 1972, for consideration by
the NSC Senior Review Group at a meeting now scheduled for
January 26, 1972.
Henry . Kis singer
SECRET /NODIS
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2013/08/07: LOC-HAK-20-1-2-5