Abstract:
This dissertation is a historical study of the origin,
growth, and employment of United States-South Vietnamese
sponsored ethnic minority paramilitary forces. The focus
of the study will show how and why the ethnic minority
paramilitary unit, known as the Civilian Irregular Defense
Group, evolved from a simple village self-defence force into
a highly mobile strike force capable of fighting in any of
Vietnam's battle zones. Chapter I describes the origins of and basis for United
States military involvement with Indochina's ethnic minorities.
Chapter II discusses the origin, organization and doctrine of
the U. S. Army's Special Forces, the American military establishment's
agent for dealing with South Vietnam's ethnic minorities.
Chapter III traces the development of the Civilian Irregular
Defense Group from its beginning in the Central Highlands,
to its roles in the Border Surveillance Program and the
Mobile Strike Force. Chapters IV and V specifically focus on
the Montagnard, Khmer Krom and Nung ethnic minority groups,
and how each became involved with the Civilian Irregular
Defense Group. The chapters also cite and analyse several
battle actions that were conducted by the ethnic minority
paramilitary forces. Chapter VI discusses the role of the
ethnic minorities in cross-border military operations in Laos
and Cambodia, and the termination of the Civilian Irregular
Defense Group. The chapter also discusses the fall of the
Central Highlands, and the alleged role of the Montagnards in
its conquest. Chapter VII provides an analysis of the
various military roles of the ethnic minorities in the Second
Indochina War.
