After being elected, President Nixon continued the process of "Vietnamization"... Can anyone explain what is meant by this term, "Vietnamization" (as applied by both the Johnson and Nixon administrations)?

It is very similar to what the US is doing now in Iraq, and Afghanistan. It is a lame excuse for quitting a fight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamization

"Vietnamization" was a term used to describe a policy pursued by both the Johnson and Nixon administrations during the Vietnam War. It refers to the strategic effort to shift the responsibility for the fighting in Vietnam from the United States' military to the South Vietnamese government and its military forces.

To understand the concept of Vietnamization, it is necessary to consider the historical context. The United States became increasingly involved in Vietnam in the 1960s, deploying large numbers of troops to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist forces of North Vietnam. As the war continued, the American public grew disillusioned with the conflict due to the high casualty rates and the perception that the United States was fighting an unnecessary war.

In response to growing public opposition and the desire to reduce American involvement, President Richard Nixon announced the Vietnamization policy in 1969. This policy sought to gradually withdraw American troops and transfer the responsibility of combat operations to the South Vietnamese military.

Vietnamization involved a number of components. First, it included a program to train and equip South Vietnamese forces to increase their combat capabilities. The goal was to enhance their ability to resist the communist forces operating in Vietnam.

Second, it involved the gradual withdrawal of American troops. The Nixon administration aimed to reduce the U.S. military presence and transfer the burden of fighting to the South Vietnamese forces.

Third, Vietnamization also focused on diplomatic efforts to negotiate a peace settlement. The hope was that by demonstrating American willingness to withdraw, the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong would be more inclined to come to a negotiated solution rather than continuing the conflict.

The process of Vietnamization was complex and faced many challenges. The South Vietnamese military had to rapidly increase its capabilities to compensate for the departure of American troops. Additionally, the policy faced criticism from both sides. Hawks argued that it was a sign of weakness, while doves saw it as insufficient and demanded an immediate and complete withdrawal.

Ultimately, Vietnamization did not lead to a successful resolution of the war. The South Vietnamese government struggled to maintain stability after the American withdrawal, and in 1975, North Vietnam defeated the South and reunified the country under communist rule.

In conclusion, Vietnamization was a policy initiated by both the Johnson and Nixon administrations during the Vietnam War. It sought to shift the responsibility for combat operations from the United States' military to the South Vietnamese government, with the goal of reducing American involvement and eventually reaching a negotiated settlement.