On all three fronts of the offensive, initial North Vietnamese successes have been hampered by high casualties, inept tactics, and the devastating application of U.S. and South Vietnamese air power. 

Although South Vietnamese forces have withstood their greatest trial thus far in the conflict, the North Vietnamese has accomplished two important goals: they have gained valuable territory within South Vietnam from which to launch future offensives, and they have improved their bargaining position at the peace negotiations being conducted in Paris.