The Phoenix Program was initiated by the Central Intelligence Agency as part of the broader U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. Its primary goal was to dismantle the Viet Cong’s infrastructure through a systematic approach involving intelligence operations, military offensives, and psychological tactics. This program was characterized by its focus on capturing or neutralizing political and military leaders who were part of the Viet Cong organization. By employing techniques ranging from infiltration to targeted assassinations, the Phoenix Program aimed to undermine the Viet Cong's influence among the rural South Vietnamese population.

The program drew on a combination of U.S. Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and local South Vietnamese operatives to effectively pursue its objectives. One controversial aspect was the reliance on often unreliable intelligence, leading to numerous cases of mistaken identity and collateral damage among civilians. The methods employed were sometimes brutal, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally, as accusations of human rights violations emerged. On the ground, the program sought to prioritize targets based on their importance to the Viet Cong’s operational capabilities.

Despite its ambitious goals, the effectiveness of the Phoenix Program remains debated by historians and analysts. Some contend that it succeeded in disrupting the Viet Cong to some extent, whereas others argue that it fueled resentment against the U.S. presence and contributed to the overall volatility of the region. This program highlighted the complexities of counterinsurgency warfare and the struggle to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, which would continue to be a challenge in the Vietnam War and other future conflicts.