tully216 Posted February 28 #1 Posted February 28 Is this military, or?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Mark
River Patrol Posted March 15 #3 Posted March 15 Army Concept Team in Vietnam - What they did, I'm not sure. Who they were, I'm not sure. Information surrounding the unit is spurious. My guess is that they were there to test new weapons or "concepts" while in country.
atb Posted March 15 #4 Posted March 15 From vietnamgear.com- "Army Concept Team In Vietnam – ACTIV was established in Saigon in November 1962 to evaluate and test the suitability of new equipment for use in Vietnam." "Spurioius" information or just an obscure organization?
River Patrol Posted March 15 #5 Posted March 15 Sorry....I didn't clarify that comment. I was typing and thinking, but not thinking about my typing. Information relayed to me about the unit being from Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD is spurious. I've never found a homeland connection to the activities of this unit in Vietnam. If you can show otherwise, please let me know. The unit is definitely obscure and does not show up in the Order of Battle.
patches Posted March 15 #6 Posted March 15 A Unit Gift to an officer, we guess the C.O, Got names on it's plaque, guess it is the then members of unit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135967596613
Lightning Tiger Posted March 15 #7 Posted March 15 Whttps://www.vetfriends.com/branches/army/units/army-concept-team-vietnam-activ “About Army Concept Team Vietnam (ACTIV) About this Unit 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. Historical Facts • Origins and Purpose: The Army Concept Team in Vietnam (ACTIV) was established in 1965 as a unique field unit to test and evaluate new concepts, equipment, and tactics in real combat conditions during the Vietnam War. • Direct Feedback Loop: ACTIV provided a direct feedback channel from the battlefield to the U.S. Army’s Combat Developments Command, ensuring rapid adaptation and innovation based on soldiers’ experiences. • Rapid Field Testing: ACTIV could deploy new weapons, vehicles, and technologies within weeks, rather than years, enabling fast-paced experimentation and improvement under combat stress. • Birthplace of the "Huey" Gunship: ACTIV played a key role in developing and testing the armed UH-1 "Huey" helicopter gunship, which became iconic in Vietnam for troop transport, medevac, and close air support. • Improved Soldier Protection: ACTIV’s evaluations led to the fielding of the M-69 flak vest, which provided U.S. soldiers with improved body armor against shrapnel and small arms fire. • Night Vision Breakthroughs: The team tested early night vision devices, such as the Starlight Scope, giving U.S. forces a significant tactical advantage in low-light jungle environments. • Innovative Riverine Warfare: ACTIV worked closely with the Mobile Riverine Force to test new boats, tactics, and equipment for operations in the Mekong Delta’s challenging waterways. • Helicopter-Borne Tactics: The team helped refine airmobile tactics, including air assaults and helicopter resupply, which became central to U.S. operations in Vietnam. • Field Rations Research: ACTIV tested and improved rations like the Long Range Patrol (LRP) ration, which provided lightweight, high-calorie meals for special operations forces. • Legacy and Influence: The innovations and lessons learned by ACTIV influenced post-Vietnam Army doctrine, equipment development, and rapid fielding processes that continue to benefit military forces today.” This is currently listed on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135967596613?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20250417133020%26meid%3D99f688689b0446fba74344de5050c7d3%26pid%3D102726%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D135967596613%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2DWebWithPSItemDRV2_BP&_trksid=p4375194.c102726.m162918 “Vintage ACTIV Army Concept Team In Vietnam War Flatware Set w/ Presentation Box to Col. Richard L. Clarkson -- U.S. Psychological Operations Unit -- Includes wood presentation box with brass corners -- Flatware is unmarked and likely made of stainless steel -- Box measures 13" x 13" x 3" and has Bakelite handles --“
River Patrol Posted March 16 #8 Posted March 16 Fancy flatware! Any information about their command or unit assignment?
River Patrol Posted March 16 #9 Posted March 16 Using his name as CO, there does seem to be a connection with the Land Warfare Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, it seems that they contracted some of the work out to Battelle Research out in Ohio. Also, the ACTIV unit was composed mostly of civilians according to COL Richard Clarkson (CO) final Report from 1974.
tully216 Posted March 16 Author #10 Posted March 16 WOW, That is all I can say.... actually, thanks a million also!!! You guys are awesome. oops I guess there is a lot I could say, LOL. Have a great night guys, Mark
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