Dereliction of Duty by HR Mcmaster Book Report

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Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster

Brigadier General H.R. McMaster's 1998 book "Dereliction of Duty" addresses a series of inconsistencies concerning the Vietnam War and the Johnson Administration's indifference regarding the most probable outcome that the conflict would have. McMaster harshly criticizes Robert McNamara as a result of his role in the war and because he is primarily responsible for having brought the U.S. In this particular clash. The book describes the Vietnam War and the events preceding it, most probably with the purpose of presenting readers with the set of events that paved the road to the conflict. In addition to expressing his perspective about McNamara's influence in the war, McMaster also focuses on the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations and on their involvement in the war.

Judging from historical facts and from their tendency to put across their regret as regards their failure to prevent the Vietnam War from turning into an unwinnable conflict, it is only natural for McNamara and Johnson to be considered largely responsible for the men and resources that the U.S. has lost as a result of its participation in the war. McMaster emphasizes the fact that the technical experts in the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations can be categorized as conceited individuals who believed that they were able to conduct warfare better than actual military leaders.

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The Joint Chiefs of Staff were thus limited in their control over the conflict and were only allowed to intervene in minor situations - when their interference would not have a decisive effect on the war.

McNamara and Johnson appeared to be more interested in political affairs than they were in the Vietnam War. Johnson constantly related to how he wanted the war to be short-lasting and to how he was unwilling to support an unjust conflict. His behavior was defined by his determination to be seen as one of the most significant politicians in the U.S. And by his interest in having the American public know as little as possible in regard to the war. McMaster coolly deals with historical data, as he apparently wants his readers to understand more in regard to the Johnson Administration and its relationship with the Secretary of Defense. Johnson's diplomatic abilities and his capacity to influence others in providing him with what he wanted were essential in having his advisors perform incorrect acts.

McMaster's concentration on the Vietnam War does not just deal with the fact that it was badly managed or with how the U.S. military was unsuccessful in completing its mission. The book also deals with how Kennedy and Johnson failed to focus on the core….....

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