When the United States entered the war in Vietnam in the 1960s, it had the world's most powerful air force. But unlike past wars when the enemy was clearly defined, the nature of this war was much murkier and there was hesitation to use airpower to "bomb them back into the Stone Age" as one general irresponsibly recommended. Throughout the years of the conflict, generals and government officials often misconstrued the situation or solution, leading to a confusing policy and eventual defeat.