CAP Marines

The **Combined Action Program (CAP) Marines** were a unique unit formed by the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, beginning in 1965. Their mission was to integrate small groups of Marines with local South Vietnamese Popular Forces in rural villages, providing both military training and security against Viet Cong insurgents. CAP Marines not only engaged in combat operations but also worked to win the "hearts and minds" of the local population through civic action and community engagement. The program was considered innovative for its emphasis on counterinsurgency and partnership, and it left a lasting legacy on U.S. military doctrine regarding irregular warfare.