Army Concept Team Vietnam (ACTIV)

The Army Concept Team in Vietnam (ACTIV) was established in 1965 as a special U.S. Army unit tasked with evaluating new equipment, tactics, and operational concepts under actual combat conditions during the Vietnam War. ACTIV’s mission was to provide rapid feedback on the effectiveness of innovations, from weapons systems to logistical practices, to inform Army development and procurement decisions. The team coordinated closely with field units across Vietnam, conducting on-the-ground testing and assessments in the challenging environment. ACTIV’s efforts significantly influenced Army doctrine, leading to improvements in gear, mobility, and combat operations throughout the conflict.