Forgetful Coyote
When trying to understand events from one or more people you only get their views based on what they experienced or seen. Same with a large group that were together. If you interview a leg vs a Armor guy vs a Intel guy, vs a medic, or truck/jeep/tank driver vs a Spook or SOG guy all will be somewhat different, to totally different. To get a real grip, you have to over lap/lay everything, but even then different time frames can change your perspective. Take the guys that were there in the late 50's to early 60's, they look at it much different than those who were there in the mid 60's vs the late 60's early 70's. The differences between the precursors RA, NG, vs US are different as well, depending mos an A/O. Basing your thoughts on a small sample really does not reflect what it was for everyone, or the intend of why the US was there in the first place.