Mobile Strike Forces in Vietnam: 1966-70 Battle Orders 30

The Mobile Strike Forces were a pivotal part of the United States' military strategy during the Vietnam War. Operating from 1966 to 1970, these highly trained units specialized in quick response and unconventional warfare tactics. This article explores the Battle Orders 30 that shaped the Mobile Strike Force's missions, accomplishments, and contributions during the Vietnam War.

Understanding Battle Orders 30

Battle Orders 30 was a directive issued by the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in 1965. It introduced a new concept of Mobile Strike Forces, commonly known as "MIKE Forces." The objective was to establish mobile and flexible units capable of swift and autonomous operations against the elusive Viet Cong insurgents.

The Role of Mobile Strike Forces

Mobile Strike Forces were tasked with conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols, conducting search and destroy missions, and ambushing enemy forces. They operated in remote regions and deep within enemy-controlled territory, gathering intelligence and disrupting the Viet Cong's infrastructure.

Mobile Strike Forces in Vietnam 1966–70 (Battle Orders Book 30)

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Training and Equipment

The troops assigned to the Mobile Strike Forces underwent rigorous training, including specialized courses in jungle warfare, guerrilla tactics, and survival skills. They were equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, communication systems, and specialized gear suited for covert operations in the hostile jungle environment.

Mobile Strike Forces in Action

From 1966 to 1970, the Mobile Strike Forces were instrumental in several key operations throughout Vietnam.

Operation Attleboro

One of the early major operations involving the Mobile Strike Forces was Operation Attleboro in late 1966. It aimed to locate and destroy Viet Cong base areas in Tay Ninh Province. The Mobile Strike Forces employed their signature swift and hard-hitting tactics, effectively disabling the enemy's infrastructure and capturing valuable intelligence.

Operation Junction City

In 1967, the Mobile Strike Forces played a crucial role in Operation Junction City, which was the largest American operation of the war at that time. Their mission was to eliminate Viet Cong forces and secure vital logistical routes in the Tay Ninh and Binh Long Provinces. The Mobile Strike Forces' operational efficiency and combat effectiveness proved paramount in achieving the objectives of the operation.

Operation Lam Son 719

Operation Lam Son 719, launched in 1971, was a joint operation between the U.S. and South Vietnamese Army. The Mobile Strike Forces' expertise in unconventional warfare was instrumental in creating diversionary attacks, facilitating the withdrawal of troops, and disrupting the enemy's supplies during this operation.

Legacy and Impact

The Mobile Strike Forces made significant contributions to the overall American strategy during the Vietnam War.

Development of Special Forces Tactics

The Mobile Strike Forces played a crucial role in the development of new tactics and strategies. Their ability to operate autonomously behind enemy lines greatly influenced the future doctrines of U.S. Special Forces, leading to the establishment of the modern concept of "Special Operations Forces" (SOF).

Disruption of Viet Cong Infrastructure

Through their relentless and audacious operations, the Mobile Strike Forces disrupted the Viet Cong's infrastructure, crippling their logistical network, and destabilizing their operational capabilities. This had a significant impact on the enemy's ability to fight effectively.

Enhanced Intelligence Gathering

The intelligence gathered by the Mobile Strike Forces provided critical insights into the Viet Cong's movements, tactics, and strongholds. This invaluable information was channeled to higher command and intelligence agencies, leading to more targeted and effective operations across Vietnam.

The Mobile Strike Forces served as a formidable ally during the Vietnam War. Their specialized training, strategic maneuverability, and relentless pursuit of the Viet Cong insurgents contributed to the overall success of American operations. Through their sacrifices, they left a lasting legacy in the annals of military operations and helped shape the future of special forces warfare.

Mobile Strike Forces in Vietnam 1966–70 (Battle Orders Book 30)

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

US Special Forces in Vietnam created the Civilian Irregular Defence Group (CIDG),a large paramilitary organization designed to protect the local population from Viet Cong incursions, whilst conducting border surveillance, raids and combat patrols in the local area. Their camps were often overrun and having no spare manpower the US Special Forces created dedicated reaction units which could act in a responsive and flexible manner Mobile Strike (MIKE) Forces. This book examines the MIKE Force units, which were formed from the CIDG, the parachute and airmobile training they were given, and the operations that they undertook, from relieving friendly camps to independent offensive operations, providing the first organizational history of the MIKE forces in combat.