The Misuse of the Studies and Observation Group as a National Asset in Vietnam
Abstract
The primary question this thesis aims to answer is as follows: Did the Studies and Observation Group's (SOG) covert and clandestine operations that were conducted from 1964 to 1971 contribute significantly to the Vietnam War effort? The scope of research is an examination of SOG operations throughout the war. To determine SOG's contributions, the author will answer the following secondary and tertiary questions: (1) What were the U.S. strategic, operational, and tactical goals for Vietnam and how did they develop?; (2) Did SOG contribute to the accomplishment of strategic, operational, and tactical goals in the Vietnam War?; and (3) How did SOG missions affect enemy forces and their operations? By answering the primary, secondary, and tertiary questions, a conclusion may be drawn concerning the contributions of SOG in Vietnam as the primary headquarters for carrying out the unconventional war effort against the North Vietnamese. Lessons learned may apply to the use of similar unconventional warfare assets in the Global War on Terrorism and the insurgency in Iraq.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA437021
Entities
People
- Danny M. Kelley Ii
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College