A Question for any DU historians

Did the American government- or their puppet Vietnamese regime- finance, support, or enter into partnerships with any private-contractor-run armies at the same time that there were actual U.S. soldiers in Vietnam? In other words, were there also groups of mercenaries sent to fight the Vietcong? Someone told me a story involving such a premise and I'm trying to figure out whether or not it's true... Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. :hi:

I know that Halliburton was there building camps and Special Forces worked with many civilian groups that were armed and fought along side the SF.

We just pretend to know history and make shit up.

When I really want to know something I go to a library.

If I'm too lazy to leave my house I log onto my library's chat site and have a conversation with someone who's paid to (presumably) know what the hell they're talking about.

also KBR got some logistics contracts

Though you could make a valid argument that the Montagnards were not mercs, as they were locals fighting for their own independence. After the war we took some, many were killed

If you are thinking Blackwater, no, unless you think Foreign Legion... yes some have argued the French and Spanish Foreign Legions ARE mercenary units

He's a former Green Beret/Army Captain. I was was born at Rammstein AFB Hospital, my brother in Louisville (he was stationed at Fort Knox at the time).

I'm going to share with you the mantra I had DRILLED into my head while growing up . . .

Your country does things that it will lead you to believe ONLY other people do.

I had the honor of living with my parents for 5 months 4 years ago (in the process of moving out of state to work for my current employer). This enabled my dad and I to sit down with a tape recorder and go through it all step by step. When he leaves this earth, along with my god father and a third man my brother and I call Uncle Mikey -

That is going to be one hell of a book. I have 18 tapes filled up - that I have had transferred to CD's - sitting in a safe deposit box.


I wouldn't call the Montagnards 'Mercenaries' in the first degree. They were the 'Mountain People'. I always get a chuckle at my dad's pictures with them . . . him in his G.B. uniform and them in their loin cloths! :rofl: Regardless - they were very kind and sweet to my dad. He was probably the first person with a very dark face (my dad has a complexion like Idris Elba) that his native 'camp' had seen - and the children were just fascinated by him. Used to come up and just touch his hand or cheek! :rofl:

So I would say it's true. I would also say that we shouldn't leave the French involvement out. Or South Americans. TET was only a 'handful' of Vietnamese people. And a few green berets, French soldiers, and South American "Mercenaries" as well as Cuban Mercenaries liked to throw the enemy out of the helicopter AFTER they had spilled guts.

We were also in S. America and Cambodia.

That said - I believe the person you spoke to - and you should do.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

YOUR country does things that it will lead you to believe only OTHER countries will do.

ETA - I emailed him the link to this. I know he lurks at DU a LOT. Maybe this will get him to join. I'd love to have that high rolling liberal patriot here! :-)