The Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975) is a conflict fought between the government of South Vietnam, supported very intensively (economically, politically, militarily) by the United States, and North Vietnam, supported by the USSR and the PRC. On the American side, in the course of this conflict, aviation played a gigantic role, and great changes in the approach of the American armed forces to helicopter warfare. Even during the war in Korea (1950-1953), helicopters were treated primarily as a very mobile means of transport, and their role in supporting the battlefield was relatively small. This point of view changed considerably during the course of the Vietnam War. On the one hand, helicopter transport capabilities were developed (e.g. by introducing UH-1 Huey helicopters into service a few before the Vietnam War), which was very important in the unfavorable terrain of Vietnam (jungle, numerous hills), and on the other - strictly attack machines, such as AH-1 Cobra. It is worth adding that the USA engaged about 12,000 helicopters in this conflict, of which about 5,600 were irretrievably lost. It is also worth adding that during the Vietnam War, for the first time in history, an airmobile division using helicopters was used on such a scale - of course, we are talking about the 1st Cavalry Division[ang. 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)] .
American 1st Cavalry Division, commonly known as " First Team ”Was formed in 1921 from the already existing cavalry units of the US Army. In 1943 it was transformed into an infantry division, although it retained its traditions and unusual organizational structure. During World War II, the division served in the Far East, fighting in New Guinea and the Philippines. After 1945, she ended up in Japan as part of the occupation forces. It also took an intensive part in the Korean War (1950-1953). In the 1960s, the division underwent a deep reorganization, as a result of which it became an aeromobile division, using mainly helicopters for its transport. It is worth adding that it was only in the division that the tactics of using such an innovative tactical unit were perfected and refined. It was also renamed the 1st Cavalry Division (Aeromobile). In 1965, the division was sent to Vietnam, where it remained as a whole tactical union until 1971, and partially - until 1972. In the course of this conflict, it suffered heavy losses - one of the largest among all American units involved in this war. After returning to the USA, in 1975 it was transformed into an armored-mechanized division, which it remains to this day. It took a marginal part in the First Gulf War (1990-1991). Instead, it took an active part in the stabilization activities in Afghanistan and Iraq after 2001.