In 1957 58 Vietnamese soldiers were given military training by Special Forces troops. Ten years later green berets were assisting over 40,000 paramilitary troops, along with another 40,000 Regional Forces and Popular Forces soldiers. This monograph traces the development and notes the progress, problems, successes, and failures of a unique program undertaken by the U.S. Army for the first time in its history. With the withdrawal of the Special Forces from Vietnam in 1971, the Army could lay unique claim to the employment of a paramilitary force in sustained combat against a determined enemy. About the author: In 1960, Col. Kelly chaired the committee which produced the U.S. Army's first definitive approach to counterinsurgency, "The Role of the U.S. Army in the Cold War." For two years he commanded the 1st SFG, which provided multiple teams for combat in Vietnam. From 6/66 to 6/67, he commanded the 5th SFG in Vietnam. He led the Combat Development Command, Institute for Strategic and Stability Operations.

Originally published in 1973. Illustrated throughout with maps and photographs.

Fully illustrated throughout with maps, charts, tables and photographs, this authoritative history of the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War was written by Colonel Francis Kelly, who himself commanded the 1st and 5th Special Forces Groups during the conflict. From their humble beginnings training just 58 Vietnamese soldiers in 1957, these elite soldiers in just over one decade, trained and advised over 80,000 paramilitary and guerrilla troops in sustained combat techniques, and fought alongside them against the Viet Cong. This is the definitive history of these tough, resourceful and dedicated men.