The 6th SFG(A) was activated on 1 May 1963.
The 6th SFG(A) was organized under TO&E 33-105D, dated 21 Mar 60. This new TO&E brought the Special Forces units in line with the US Army unit organizations and terminology.
6th Group's designated Area of Responsibility (AOR) was Southwest Asia and the Middle East.
6th SFG(A) Commander: LTC Charles Kasler
A Co 6th SFG(A) CDR: MAJ Homer W Morrison
B Co 6th SFG(A) CDR:
COL Charles L. Kasler
LT Kasler was assigned to the 60th Coastal Field Artillery on Corregidor, in 1941. After nearly 6 months of fighting, Corregidor fell to the Japanese on 6 May 1942, where LT Kasler was captured. After 3 years of brutal treatment, CPT Kasler was liberated in Northern China in Aug 1945. MAJ Kasler served in Austria 1953-1956. LTC Kasler served as Commander 351st Missile BN (Nike) in Ohio.
6th SFG(A) Exercises-1963
In the early 1960s, the US Army went through some major changes. In April 1961, an entirely new concept called ROAD (Reorganization Objective Army Divisions) was introduced, replacing the short-lived Pentomic system that had been integrated in 1957 for the atomic battlefield. The ROAD system offered greater flexibility and improved compatibility with NATO allies. The first ROAD units were organized in February 1962 under draft TOEs, this reorganization was required to be completed across both the Regular Army and reserve components by the end of June 1964. Additionally, on January 18, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed National Security Action Memorandum (NSAM) 124. This directive mandated that the U.S. military elevate counterinsurgency training, organization, and doctrine to a level equal with conventional warfare.
As the US Army units conducted exercises for newly reorganized units, the Special Forces Groups at Ft Bragg supported the counter-insurgency component, by providing the guerrilla force and counter-insurgency advisers, for the Active-Duty and Reserve Component unit exercises. In 1962, the 6th SFG(A) supported a number of these exercises.
Exercise SWAMP FOX
6th SFG(A) personnel also played both roles, as required by their mission, during their training with the 2nd Infantry Division. Approximately half those present were engaged in the training and advising of guerrillas, while the other taught and advised the counterinsurgency forces. This was an extensive program, involving three battalions of the division in a three-month training program, with a preparatory period at Fort Benning and three two-week field training exercises in the swamps of Fort Stewart, Georgia with the 2nd Infantry Div.
Exercise BULLDOG LOW NOTE
In the fall of 1963, the 6th SFG(A) was involved in both unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency training with units of the 101st Airborne Division. One A- detachment participated in counterinsurgency training from 9 to 26 October with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Camp Irwin, California. Detachment personnel served as both guerrilla advisers and as counter-insurgency experts in the California desert.
6th SFG(A)-Mobile Training Teams, 1964
The 6th SFG(A) deployed multiple Mobile Training Teams (MTT) to countries in the Middle East and Africa in 1965 .
Iran In early 1961, 6th SFG(A) 3 Mobile Training Teams deployed to Iran, to help the Iranian Army staff to plan and support the joint US-Iran Exercise DELAWAR, planned later in the year .
Ethiopia April 1961, 6th SFG(A) deployed a number of detachments to train Infantry and medical personnel.
Jordan In midsummer a detachment participated in desert training and instructed in the medical, demolitions, and weapons training.
Pakistan 6th SFG(A) deployed a MTT to conduct Airborne and parachute rigger training
6th SFG(A) in Ethiopia
6th SFG(A)-Life on Fort Bragg, during the Vietnam War
The Special Forces Groups at Ft Bragg, were always busy, the 6th SFG(A) was no exception.
The Line Companies in the 6th SFG(A) rotated on a monthly basis between 18th Airborne Corps (Post) support and Unit training. Within the 6th SFG(A), the companies themselves would rotate on Unit Training and Unit Training support cycle too, this was managed by the Group SGM.
Special Forces Soldiers on Post support could find themselves; mowing lawns, working in a post library (wearing civilian clothes), pulling guard duty, fire watch (maintaining the coal in the coal-burning stoves in the older barracks/buildings) or even KP (Kitchen Patrol)-working in the post mess halls.
Support requests from Special Warfare center; teams could also find themselves supporting the Phase 1 student training exercises conducted by the Special Warfare Center, training one of the USAR and ARNG Special Forces units at Ft Bragg or conducting a Gabriel Display for a visiting dignitary.
Additionally, team could find themselves going on Mobile Training Teams, going to other countries or TDY, training one of the USAR and ARNG Special Forces units in their home states.
Teams also were tasked to support the counterinsurgency training for units deploying to Vietnam and unit annual training requirements.
During the Company training months, Team would conduct training internally or could be tasked to support another Team's training.
The Group HQ would ensure the troops would get at least one parachute jump each quarter (every 3 months) as required by military regulations to draw jump pay. Occasionally troops would make multiple jumps in a day, to cover months past or ahead.
6th SFG(A) soldier maintaining the diesel heaters to the isolation facility tents
6th SFG(A), Team Training
Note: STABO Rigs and Uzi SMG
6th SFG(A), pulling KP-peeling potatoes
6th SFG(A), Airborne OP
6th SFG(A) Exercises-1964
The 6th SFG(A) took to the field six times during 1964 on field training exercises, either for the Group or in support of other units.
FTX ARABIAN NIGHTS was a 6th SFG(A) Group conducted from January 6 to February 8 in the Camp MacKall and Sandhills Wildlife area. Although this exercise was designed primarily along counterinsurgency lines, it also served to develop field standard operating procedures (SOP)s and to train Group headquarters personnel in Special Forces Operational Base(SFOB) operations techniques.
Operation DELAWAR Exercise Delawar was a significant military exercise conducted in April 1964 in southwestern Iran, involving joint operations between the United States and Iranian forces to simulate a rapid response to external threats during the Cold War.
Exercise HIGHLAND FOX In July, August, and September, elements of the Group advised and assisted the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning in the planning and conduct of counterinsurgency training, including two battalion—sized exercises held in the Uwharrie National Forest area of North Carolina.
FTX CHEROKEE TRAIL During October, 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare School's with counterinsurgency advisors, guerrilla chiefs, and cadres for 10 guerrilla bands. In addition, the Group was responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the entire communications net for the FTX Director Headquarters and for general support personnel.
Exercise YELLOW DRAGON, an FTX conducted by Company A to provide a "Shakedown" for the forthcoming joint field training exercise POLAR STRIKE, in Alaska.
Exercise BIG OAKIE II Company B, conducted extensive unconventional warfare training in the swamps of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This was a joint effort with the Air Commandos of the Tactical Air Command. The exercise was conducted December 1- Dec 19, included infiltration of Special Forces detachments by air into guerrilla warfare operational areas, guerrilla warfare operations, exfiltration by small boats, and water pickups in the Gulf of Mexico by float equipped Army U-l0 aircraft and U.S. Air Force amphibious aircraft. This is the first time that organic Special Forces aircraft have been used in a tactical exercise of this type. Participating personnel subsisted largely from long-range patrol rations (currently undergoing tests at the Center for Special Warfare) and by survival techniques.
Reserve Component Support
In addition to its own training and its work with other active Army and Air Force units, the 6th SFG(A) during the summer months sent out detachments to support and assist reserve component Special Forces units in their annual active duty for training. A detachment went to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, for the period July 31 to August 15, to advise and assist the 11th SFG(A) (USAR) in unconventional warfare training. Still another detachment went to Camp Drum, New York, for the period July 31 to August 15, to perform the same mission for the 12th SFG(A) (USAR). During 1964, the 11th SFG(A), 17th SFG(A), and 19th SFG(A) (Reserve components) were designated ”sister groups" of the 6th SFG(A).
The Greensboro Record 7 Aug 1964
The News and Observer 5 Aug 1964
6th SFG(A)-Exercises, 1965
Exercise POLAR STRIKE started in late in December 1964, the SFG(A) deployed for their Alaskan cyclic training, and the subsequent exercise “Polar Strike,” which involved training with the Eskimo Scouts along the northern periphery above the artic circle. The entire operation lasted until 22 February 1965. Prior to joining the scouts in remote coastal villages, 6th SFG(A) members trained in cold weather techniques at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Training included skiing, the use of snowshoes, use of dog teams, artic survival, and caring for special artic clothing and equipment. This individual training supplemented pre-deployment training, exercise YELLOW DRAGOON, covering cold weather indoctrination, culture, and living environment of the Eskimo, landnavigation and scouting, and patrolling. Deployed with the Eskimo Scouts, men of the 6th SFG(A) sought to transmit their knowledge to their hosts, receiving Eskimo guidance on cold weather military operations in return. A significant part of the training of the Eskimos was in preventive medicine, personal hygiene, training of the village health workers, preventive dentistry, and veterinary medicine training by the civic action team which accompanied and supported the Special Forces teams. In appreciation for the training in our 50th State, the State Legislature ofAlaska passed a Senate Joint Resolution, which commended personnel of the 6th SFG(A) of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and urged continuation oftheir training program in remote areas of Alaska
Exercise TRACKDOWN conducted in February 1965, with the 5th Mechanized Infantry in the Massachuesetts and New Hampshire area. 6th SFG(A) provided guerrillas and counter-insurgency advisers.
CHEROKEE TRAIL V During March, 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare School's with counterinsurgency advisors, guerrilla chiefs, and cadres for 10 guerrilla bands. In addition, the Group was responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the entire communications net for the FTX Director Headquarters and for general support personnel.
CHEROKEE TRAIL VI During June and July, 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare School's with counterinsurgency advisors, guerrilla chiefs, and cadres.
Exercise TANANA FLATS II was a joint US Army-USAR exercise, conducted July 1965 in Alaska. The USAF trained in delivery troops and equipment by air and supporting Guerrilla operations. USAR 9th SFG(A) and 17th SFG(A) and 6th SFG(A) provided troops for the exercise.
Exercise FORT BLISS I conducted in Sep with 6 detachments from 6th SFG(A). The detachments jumped into the Organ mountains in New Mexico and the 31st Engineers activing as the guerrilla force.
During the course of the year the Gabriel Demonstration “A” Team provided a number of on—post and off-post demonstrations. In addition to the linguistic and individual skills presented, the units also displayed and explained various types of Special Forces specialized equipment.
During the summer months, the 6th SFG(A) sent out detachments to support and assist reserve component Special Forces units in their annual active duty for training.
6th SFG(A) in Alaska for exercise Polar Strike
Daily Press, Newport New , VA 21 Feb 1965
6th SFG(A) troops arrive in Alaska
6th SFG(A)-Mobile Training Teams, 1965
Teams from the 6th SFG(A) supported 13 MTTS in 10 different countries in 1965 .
Iran January, instruct and advise on psychological operations.
Nepal January, instruct Nepalese Army on use and maintenance of communications equipment
Iran February, conduct security survey and intelligence training
Iran April, instruct and advise on SF techniques
Guinea (Africa) April, instruct engineer operations
Pakistan April. instruct parachute operations
Brazil April, engineer operations
Peru May, assist Peruvian Army General Staff on organization, training, and admin
Iran May, assist Iranian Army in Airborne Operations
Venezuela June, operations of signal depot and supply systems
Philippines July, assist in construction and provide training on communications system
Nigeria October, conduct a signal survey
Jordan December, instruct and advise on ranger training.
6th SFG(A) soldier working the GN-58 generator for the GRC-radio,
US Army Photo
Note 6th SFG Flash and crest on issue Jungle Hat
6th SFG(A)-Exercises, 1966
Exercise BIG OAKIE IV in January, Company B, conducted extensive unconventional warfare training in the swamps of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This was a joint effort with the Air Commandos of the Tactical Air Command. The exercise included infiltration of Special Forces detachments by air into guerrilla warfare operational areas, guerrilla warfare operations.
CHEROKEE TRAIL VIII During March 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare School's exercise with counterinsurgency advisors, guerrilla chiefs, and cadres.
Exercise CLOVE HOTCH I 6th SFG(A) sent two detachments to support. The exercise was conducted in April at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina . The exercise was designed to increase proficiency in joint amphibious and airborne operations and to perfect coordination and communications between participating forces
Exercise SNAKE PIT Conducted May 1961 at Camp AP Hill, VA, 2 detachments acted as aggressors for a counterinsurgency exercise.
In June, 6th SFG(A) deployed to Camp Hale, Colorado to conduct the unit annual Operational readiness test (ORT)
During the course of the year the Gabriel Demonstration “A” Team provided a number of on-post and off-post demonstrations. In addition to the linguistic and individual skills presented, the units also displayed and explained various types of Special Forces specialized equipment.
During the summer months, the 6th SFG(A) sent out detachments to support and assist reserve component Special Forces units in their annual active duty for training.
6th SFG(A) patrolling
6th SFG(A) advising convetional troops
6th SFG(A)-Mobile Training Teams, 1966
Teams from the 6th SFG(A) supported 6 MTTS in 3 different countries in 1966 .
Vietnam Medical support, equipment training
Dominican Republic Support US Task Force
Congo Weapons training
6th SFG(A), Airborne OP
6th SFG(A) Mobile Training Team-Vietnam, 1966
"People sniffer" was the field name for a series of U.S. Army issued "personnel detectors" used during the Vietnam War. The purpose was to detect enemy soldiers in hidden positions, which were often employed in the jungle combat conditions of Vietnam. The U.S. military used two different versions of the people sniffer, one backpack version XM-2 and one helicopter-mounted version, the XM-3.
Developed by General Electric, The XM-2 personnel detector manpack, also known as the E63 manpack personnel detector, was the first version of the people sniffer employed by the Army. The XM-2 featured a backpack mounted sensor with an air intake tube on the end of a rifle. The XM-2 was problematic, as it often detected the soldier carrying it rather than the enemy, the device also made a distinct sound the was easily detectable by the enemy and it was overly sensitive.
The XM-3, the helicopter mounted version, proved more effective and resulted in operation SNOOPY.
In June 1966, troops from 6th SFG(A), working with the Limited War Laboratory, Natick labs, deployed to Vietnam to demonstrate and train the units in the theater on the system.
CPT Desmond Flanigan 6th SFG(A), discusses XM-2 system with 2 USMC officers
USMC Photo
XM-2 "People Sniffer"
US Army Photo
6th SFG(A) Exercises, 1967
Exercise SNOW TRAIL In Jan-Feb 6th SFG(A) and A Co 11th SFG(A) conducted a Guerrilla Warfare exercise in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Exercise DRY SPRINGS I In Jan-Feb 10 detachments from 6th SFG(A) conducted a desert and mountaining training exercise in the Sacramento Mountains in Arizona.
Exercise BIG BEN 6th SFG(A) conducted a Guerrilla Warfare exercise in the Uwharrie National Forest in May-June.
Exercise ORBIT WINGS 6th SFG(A) conducted an Unconventional Warfare exercise in Utah and Montana.
Exercise Goblin HUNT I 6th SFG(A) conducted a pre-deployment counterinsurgency exercise for the 101st Airborne in June 1967. The entire 101st ABN deployed to Vietnam Nov 1967, joining the 1st Brigade; which had been in Vietnam since July 1965.
Exercise CHEROKEE TRAIL VII, VII and IX 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare Centers student exercises in 1967.
Reserve Component Support
In January, 6th SFG(A) provided training support of the 11th Special Forces Group (USAR), and instruction of selected personnel in pre-mission training. 6th SFG(A) conducted Jumpmaster training for 19th SFG(A) in Helena Montana in June 1967.
El Paso Herald Post 19 Jan 1967
Portland Press Herald Post 29 Jan 1967
6th SFG(A) Mobile Training Teams-MTTs 1967
Teams from the 6th SFG(A) supported 6 MTTS in 3 different countries in 1966 .
6th SFG(A) Exercises -1968
Exercise POLAR STRIKE In Jan, 6th SFG(A) conducted winter warfare training at the US Army Northern Warfare Center in Alaska.
Exercise BIG OKIE 6th SFG(A) conducted a joint exercise with USAF Air Commandos at Eglin Air Force base in Florida
Exercise BOLD SHOT 6th SFG(A) participated in a STRICOM exercise at Eglin Air Force base in Florida
Exercise ORBIT WINGS II, The exercise, conducted in Camp Williams and Wendover Air Force Base, Utah, began in March I968 and was completed on 12 April I968.
Reserve Component Training
6th SFG(A) provided a Mobile Training Team To Camp Drum, New York during The period 3-19 October I968, to support their Annual Training, 11th SFG(A) (USAR). The MTT provided communications and medical training and jumpmaster refresher/recertification training.
6th SFG(A) at Eglin AFB
6th SFG(A) Exercises-1969
Exercise BOLD SHOT/BRIMFIRE 2-69 6th SFG(A) participated in USSTRICOM directed exercise at Vieques Island, Puerto Rico during the period 4-14 January 1969.
Exercise ORBIT WINGS During the period 7-20 January 1969 a 150-man contingent from the Group participated in Cold Weather Environmental Training conducted at the US Army Northern Warfare Training Center, Ft Greely, Alaska.
FTX SUNNY POINT I In February, five 6th SFG(A) detachments conducted water infiltration down the Cape Fear River to the vicinity of Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal, infiltration of the terminal, simulated destruction of sensitive targets and helicopter extraction back to Fort Bragg.
FTX LONESOME ROAD Five 6th SFG(A) detachments conducted a 100-mile long range patrol along the Appalachian Trail.
FTX SUNNY POINT II Conducted on the Cape Fear River and Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal with two 6th SFG(A) detachments
LABOR TRAIL III 6th SFG (A) supported a 3rd SFG(A) exercise conducted in Florida during the April 1969.
FTX NANTAHALA FOREST In June, the 6th SFG(A) conducted an exercise that included; intensive military mountaineering instruction, a 20-mile cross-country navigation problem and three days of water operations in western North Carolina.
BOLDSHOT/BRIMFIRE 2-70 In July, 5 6th SFG(A) detachments deployed to Fort Hood, Texas to participate in USSTRICOM Exercise . Concept of operations included two SFODAs in an unconventional warfare role and one SFODB and two SFODAs as a strike recondo force to secure an airhead for the follow-on forces from the 2d Armored Division.
ORBIT WINGS V was designed to test the feasibility of "Package A" and exercise the Group's ability to establish and operate an SFOB, conduct stay—behind UW operations, unilateral direct action missions, and joint combined operations. The exercise started with the deployment of an area assessment team consisting of the Group Commander,
FTX GOBBLER WOODS VII 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare Centers student exercises in Dec 1969.
Reserve Component Support
6th SFG(A) conducted a Jumpmaster course for members of the 20th SFG (Abn) (NG) in Alabama during May and July 1969 and support of the 20th SFGA (NG) Annual Training with at Birmingham, Alabama. 6th evaluated the mountain training in Utah during the period 5-19 July 1969
6th SFG(A) deployed three SFODAs in an MTT role to the 11th SFGA (USAR) during the period 13-17 November. One 6th SFG(A) parachuted 3 detachments into and conducted 48 hours of training for 20th SFG(A) (ARNG) and 11th SFG(A) (USAR).
6th SFG(A) on Cape Fear River
SGM Wiley W. Gray
6th SFG(A) Exercises-1970
6th SFG(A) conducted a Guerrilla Warfare exercise in western North Carolina in August.
Exercise Gobbler Woods VII 6th SFG(A) supported the Special Warfare Centers student exercise in Nov 1970.
6th SFG(A) Operation IVORY COAST-Son Tay Raid, 21 Nov 1970
Operation IVORY COAST was a mission conducted by US Army Special Forces and US Air Force aircraft and crews to rescue U.S. POWs during the Vietnam War. The specially selected raiders, from 6th SFG(A), 7th SFG(A) and Special Warfare Center, extensively trained and rehearsed the operation at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. On 21 November 1970, launched from Thailand, US Air Force Brigadier General LeRoy J. Manor led the formation of aircraft, a mix of C-130, A-1E Skyraiders and HH-3E "Jolly Green" Helicopters carrying 56 Special Forces soldiers, commanded by Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons. 59 US Navy aircraft, from the USS Ranger (CVA-61), the USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and the USS Hancock (CVA-19) flying over North Vietnam dropping flares, there was a bombing pause in effect, as a distraction. The helicopter assault started at 02:18 on the Son Tay POW (Camp Hope) camp, which was located 23 miles west of Hanoi, North Vietnam. After 28 minutes of securing and searching the target, the force departed the camp, without any prisoners. The prisoners had been recently been moved to another camp. The assault force suffered light casualties, while the North Vietnamese guard force and a local military compound suffered heavy casualties.
While the mission didn't rescue any POWs, the mission had a profound effect on the US POWs. The North Vietnamese fearing another US Raid, consolidated all US POWs together, where they were given better treatment and more importantly, it ended the POWs isolation. POWs from Camp Faith had heard the US rescue attempt at Son Tay and word soon spread the US had tried a rescue.
"Raiders" training on the Son Tay Mock-up on Eglin AFB
Blueboy Assault Group
1. Bruce Hughes 2. Anthony Dodge 3. Geroge Petrie 4. William Tapley 5. Billy Moore 6. Lorenzo Robbins 7. Tom Jaeger 8. Pat St. Clair
9. Tom Kemmer 10 Dick Wingrove 11. Pappy Kittleson
12. Dick Meadows 13. Kenny McMullin
Durham Sun, 26 Nov 1970
Born in Mitchell County, Iowa PFC Kittleson served in the 503rd RCT ABN and later with the Alamo Scouts in the Pacific, where he participated reconnaissance, combat operations and 2 successful POW rescue missions against Japanese forces. SFC Kittleson volunteered for Special Forces in 1958, served with 10th SFG(A) and helped stand up 6th SFG(A) in 1963. MSG Kittleson was an assault element leader for the Son Tay Raid, conducted on 21 Nov 1970.
CSM Galen Kittleson
Born in Lenoir, North Carolina, Sgt Petrie joined Special Forces in 1961, where he served as a radio operator and light weapons specialist with the 5th SFG(A) from 1961 to 1963. SGT Petrie deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1963. He then served with the 8th SFG(A) in Panama, deploying to the Dominican Republic in 1965, followed by another tour in South Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group from 1967 to 1968. Petrie then served with the 3rd and the 6th Special Forces Groups, receiving a direct commission to 1st Lt on January 23, 1970. Lt Petrie participated in the Son Tay Raid on November 21, 1970.
MAJ George Petrie Jr
6th SFG(A) Deactivation, 5 Mar 1971
On 5 Mar 1971, 6th SFG(A) was inactivated and the unit was reflagged as the 5th SFG(A).
6th SFG(A), Airborne OP
6th SFG(A) practicing for inactivation ceremony
Photo courtesy of MSG Paul Callamaras
6th SFG(A) Inactivation Ceremony
Photo courtesy of MSG Paul Callamaras
Martha Raye after the Ceremony
Photo courtesy of MSG Paul Callamaras
6th SFG(A) Documents
6th SFG(A) Activation orders
6th SFG(A) Training Certificate
6th SFG(A) Contributors
MSG Paul Callamaras 6th SFG(A), 5th SFG, and 11th SFG(A)
SSG Richard "Slurp" James 3rd SFG(A), 5th SFG(A) and 6th SFG(A)
6th SFG(A) Section Notes
1 This is phase 1, of a 2-phase plan, that will cover from activation in 1960 to today.
a. Phase 1: Beginning until 65
b. Phase 2: 1965-1972
2. I am looking for the following from the 6th SFG(A):
a. Photos-preferably with story-dates
b. Stories-that need to be told/remembered
c. Documents
i. Orders, recruiting flyers / posters, unit rosters...etc.
d. FA / ODA Detachment numbers and location
i. Ft Bragg