U.S. Military Strategy in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, a protracted conflict that lasted from the late 1950s to 1975, had profound effects on American society, politics, and foreign policy. After the United States had identified the spread of communism as a major threat during the Cold War, it became increasingly involved in Vietnam, leading to a military escalation. The war sparked widespread protests and became a focal point for the counterculture movement. In the context of U.S. military strategy during the Vietnam War, which of the following statements BEST characterizes the American approach to combat and its ultimate outcome?