In January 1962, Harkins was promoted to general as commander of Military Assistance Command—Vietnam, the successor unit to Military Assistance Advisory Group—Vietnam; this change came as part of the initial U.S. troop buildup which escalated into the Vietnam War. Harkins appeared on the cover of "Time" magazine, ("What it Takes to Win", May 11, 1962), where he was described as "look(ing) every inch the professional soldier". The article detailed the commitment of the United States to stay in Vietnam, even if it took a decade, quoting then Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy from November 1962, "We are going to win in Vietnam. We will remain until we do."