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In 1961, U.S. President Kennedy sharply expanded the American advisory presence in South Vietnam, from under 700 advisers in early 1961 to about 3,000 by year's end.

In 1961, the U.S. began counterinsurgency training of ARVN forces, and Kennedy authorized the use of chemical defoliants (Agent Orange), foreshadowing Operation Ranch Hand.

In 1961, U.S. President Kennedy sharply expanded the American advisory presence in South Vietnam, from under 700 advisers in early 1961 to about 3,000 by year's end.