The Three Options
The group came up with three basic options for the future of American involvement in Vietnam.
Option A: No change from previous policies.
Option B: Immediate escalation
Option C: Gradual escalation
McNaughton voted for option 3 because, in his words:
If Option C is tried and fails, would still leave behind a better odor than Option A: It would demonstrate that US was a 'good doctor' willing to keep promises, be tough, take risks, get bloodied, and hurt the enemy badly."
Read more about this topic: NSC Working Group On South Vietnam