1. Conventional Warfare: This involved large-scale battles between the regular armies of North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam, DRV) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam, RVN), supported by their respective allies.
2. Guerrilla Warfare: Communist forces, especially the National Liberation Front (NLF), commonly known as the Viet Cong, employed guerrilla tactics, blending into the civilian population and using hit-and-run attacks against US and South Vietnamese forces.
3. Ambush: Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces often set up ambushes along roads and jungle paths, targeting US and South Vietnamese military units.
4. Sappers and Infiltration: North Vietnam used specialized sapper units to infiltrate enemy positions, often using tunnels, to launch surprise attacks.
5. Night Operations: The Vietnam War saw extensive night operations by both sides, as the dense jungle provided cover for stealthy movement.
6. Air Warfare: The US and South Vietnam relied heavily on airpower, including strategic bombing campaigns and close air support of ground troops. North Vietnam also had an air force and used anti-aircraft weapons.
7. Naval Warfare: The US Navy played a significant role in the war, particularly in coastal operations, riverine patrols, and the interdiction of North Vietnamese supply routes.
8. Psychological Warfare (PSYOPS): Both sides used propaganda and psychological operations to influence the morale and perceptions of the enemy and the civilian population.
9. Special Forces: US Special Forces (Green Berets) and the CIA-backed Special Action Forces (SAF) were involved in unconventional warfare, training local forces, and conducting covert operations.