re: Could any strategy have worked in Vietnam?

Kicking the French and British out when we were helping Ho Chi Minh with OSS support in fighting the Japs but that probably falls under “not getting involved.”

You should read Gradual Failure next. Staaveren was a Korean War pilot who flew in Nam and wrote the book while over there, though it wasn’t declassified until the 90’s it gives some stellar insights as to how politicians can frick up a wet dream. Robin Old’s book “Fighter Pilot” also has some insights though the book isn’t necessarily about Vietnam it’s still an absolutely incredible read.