Final answer:
The measure of U.S. military success in the Vietnam War became the war of attrition, with success defined by higher enemy casualties and mobilization of more resources, despite heavy U.S. losses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the Vietnam War, the measure of U.S. military success shifted towards a strategy known as war of attrition. Rather than achieving quick victories through spectacular military operations, success was gauged by the ability to produce more supplies, mobilize more civilians and soldiers, and inflict higher casualties on the enemy, despite sustaining heavy losses oneself. The belief was that by maximizing pressure and maintaining high levels of production and drafting, the opposition would eventually be forced to capitulate due to exhaustion and lack of resources. This approach resulted in massive loss of lives and did not yield the intended quick victory, leading to a prolonged conflict with significant political and social ramifications at home.
In relation to the Vietnam War specifically, body count became an informal measure of progress. U.S. military leadership regularly reported enemy casualties as an indicator of success, contributing to a 'credibility gap' between official reports and the harsh realities of the conflict. Further compounding the issue was the public's growing skepticism toward the war effort, fueled by graphic images of casualties and a general questioning of America's role in Vietnam.
The profound impact of the war of attrition strategy was not only felt on the battlefield but also deeply affected the U.S. social, moral, and political landscape, leading to a loss of public trust and consensus.