Question: why did the us use chemical warfare during the vietnam war

title: Agent Orange
text: In mid-1961 , President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam asked the United States to conduct aerial herbicide spraying in his country . In August of that year , the Republic of Vietnam Air Force conducted herbicide operations with American help . But Diem 's request launched a policy debate in the White House and the State and Defense Departments . However , U.S. officials considered using it , pointing out that the British had already used herbicides and defoliants during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s . In November 1961 , President John F. Kennedy authorized the start of Operation Ranch Hand , the codename for the U.S. Air Force 's herbicide program in Vietnam . 

Answer: answer: In mid-1961, President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam asked the United States to conduct aerial herbicide spraying in his country.  U.S. officials considered using it, pointing out that the British had already used herbicides and defoliants during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s.