The primary question this thesis aims to answer is--did the
Studies and Observation Group (SOG) covert and clandestine operations
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, research will answer the following secondary and tertiary
questions: (1) What were the US 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.
