Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDG)*
*
The CIDG was raised, led and paid by the U.S. Special Forces, with only a nominal pretense of subordination to the Vietnamese Special Forces or government.*
*
In the central highlands, CIDG personnel were often Montagnards or other non-Vietnamese ethnic groups.*
*
CIDG were formed into companies, grouped into a sort of nominal battalion at camps under the control of Special Forces A-Detachment (12-15 men depending on role).*
*
In 1970, all of the remaining camps were either converted to Border Ranger battalions under South Vietnamese control or shut down.*