15 April 1960, the entire SF establishment was formally brought under the Army’s new Combat Arms Regimental System (CARS). This paper scheme initially provided for a maximum of 24 SF Groups, initially all in the Active Component (AC).
The 8th SFG(A) was activated on 1 April 1963.
The 8th 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.
The first commander for 8th SFG(A) was COL Arthur D. "Bull" Simons
8th SFG(A) Notable Personel
CPT Simons was a Company Commander in 6th Ranger BN in the Pacific theatre. CPT Simons led the mission who attacked the Japanese P.O.W. camp at Cabanatuan. LTC Simons was in charge of the 77th SFG(A) deployment to Laos in project HOTFOOT and 7th SFG(A) in project WHITE STAR. 1963 COL Simons would Command the 8th SFG(A).
SGT Shelton served with 24th ID in Korea. CPT Shelton joined SF in 1961. Served in WHITE STAR in Loas, with 7th SFG(A). Led the 8th SFG(A) MTT to organize and train a Ranger BN for the Bolivian Army.
COL Arthur D. "Bull" Simons
MAJ Ralph "Pappy" Shelton
8th SFG(A) Project Notes
1 This is phase 1, of a 2-phase plan, that will cover from activation in 1963 to today.
a. Phase 1: Beginning until 68
b. Phase 2: 1968-1972
2. I am looking for the following from the 8th 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 locations
i. Panama
ii. MTTs