Hatchet Force

A Hatchet Force was a special operations team of American and South Vietnamese members of MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War, who operated in small covert operations along the Ho Chi Minh trail from 1966. The units specialized in search and destroy missions and in locating missing American servicemen in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam

Hatchet Forces were typically composed of six American Special Forces soldiers and 32 indigenous soldiers. They were equipped with a variety of weapons, including M16 rifles, M60 machine guns, and claymore mines. Hatchet Forces were also equipped with night vision goggles and other specialized equipment.

Hatchet Forces operated in small teams, often deep behind enemy lines. They were responsible for a wide range of missions, including:

• Conducting reconnaissance missions
• Intercepting enemy supply lines
• Attacking enemy targets
• Conducting search and destroy missions
• Locating and recovering missing American servicemen

Hatchet Forces were highly successful in their missions. They played a key role in disrupting the flow of supplies to the Viet-Cong and North Vietnamese Army. They also helped to locate and recover missing American servicemen.

The Hatchet Force was a dangerous and challenging assignment. The teams operated in remote and hostile areas, and they were often outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy. However, the Hatchet Force was also a highly rewarding experience. The teams were able to make a real difference in the war effort, and they gained a great deal of respect from their fellow soldiers.