The Vietcong were able to frustrate the American military in multiple ways, including:
1) Lack of a standard military uniform- This tactic of not having a recognizable uniform made it so that the United States military was constantly guessing as to whether the people in front of them were allies or enemies. This indecision resulted in mass confusion and frustration.
2) Ambush techniques- The Vietcong used a hit and run style of fighting and attacked on days that were unexpected. For example, the Tet Offensive saw the North Vietnamese army attack on the Lunar New Year, a very significant holiday in the country of Vietnam.