Accession Number:

ADA247954

Title:

An Historical Study: Gypsies of the Battlefield the CIDG Program in Vietnam and Its Evolutionary Impact

Descriptive Note:

Study project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Booth, Lance E.

Report Date:

1992-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

53.0

Abstract:

During the period from 1964 through 1971, the longest counterinsurgencycoalition warfare mission in the history of the United State Army was conducted by the 5th Special Forces Group, Airborne. This program was successful in preventing communist control of large portions of uncommitted indigenous ethnic groups and mobilizing these groups into the struggle for the survival of their country. This contribution equated to a 4 divisional force level which was cost effective and illustrated an economy of force model for future conflicts. Equally important were the lessons learned from the CIDG program which paid dividends during Coalition Warfare as executed during Desert ShieldDesert Storm by the United States Army Special Forces. This case study serves to document and analyze this long forgotten but strategically important achievement by the American Army during the Vietnam War.

Descriptors:

• *BATTLEFIELDS
• *COUNTERINSURGENCY
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• CONTROL
• WARFARE
• IRAQ
• KUWAIT
• LESSONS LEARNED
• IMPACT
• COST EFFECTIVENESS
• POLITICAL ALLIANCES
• SURVIVAL(GENERAL)
• CASE STUDIES
• MISSIONS
• HISTORY
• EVOLUTION(GENERAL)
• ARMY
• COMMUNISM
• VIETNAM

Subject Categories:

• Humanities and History
• Military Forces and Organizations
• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE