CIA Secret Warriors: Thai Forward Air Guides

During the largest ever CIA paramilitary operation in its history - the Laos Secret War during the Vietnam War - the CIA recruited and hired a small group of around 100 young Thai men, most with no military experience, to deploy to Laos to coordinate and conduct forward air control operations in combat for our strike and other aircraft. U.S. Air Forces Special Operations Combat Controllers trained the Forward Air Guides as CIA contract employees before the Forward Air Guides were deployed to Laos. These English-speaking Thai men played an extraordinarily unique role, an anomaly of warfare that had never happened before and almost certainly will never happen again - foreign civilians coordinating U.S. Air Force strikes. This video is the introductory story.
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@HydramaticM16A197]

Thank you, Dr. Carter. As an American of a Laotian Refugee, I have always had a deep fascination for this history, especially having met USAF veterans in my area who were involved in Laos. I have a great deal admiration for both the American, Laotian, and Thai who were involved in the conflict. Thank you for keeping the memory of this history alive sir!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and watching the video. I too have an admiration for the Lao, Thai, American, and minorities who fought the war. God bless.

[@patsanansangiampun6079]

My father participated in this war as an unknown warrior unit. 333 and served as a pilot. He didn't tell me until several years later, all the time we thought that he just away for work as a forestry officer. He just passed away last May. I regret not talking enough with him about this war.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for sharing your story. I think many of us feel similar in not talking to those who passed about their experiences, especially with ones who have really unique experiences like your father.

[@user-xp3fu3pe7u]

As usual, thoroughly researched and incredibly informative. Keep these videos coming Dr. Carter, they are a treasure trove for military historians.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well thank you so much for watching and commenting, I am greatly appreciative.

[@kittikhunkt790]

My grandpa used to fly for Air America, a private company set up by the CIA during the war. He flew CIA missions in Laos for a total of 110 flights. It's unfortunate that he passed away three years ago.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for sharing, that is fascinating. Many Thai flew for Air America. Thank you for sharing.

[@joepvanderijt3725]

Extraordinary piece of research Paul.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I am glad you liked it Joep, thank you for watching!!!!

[@gilmueller4803]

Brilliant and an important bit of scholarship. My thanks

[@CarterOnConflict]

Sir….I try to emulate your scholarship. Thanks for the support and motivation.

[@falcon5215]

As with your other works, just great!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Good to hear from you Andrew - thank you!

[@suthonlimchawalit9257]

Thank you.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@user-uv9lw9ft3r]

good

[@gordonfreeman336]

Battalion Commando 6

[@vanmalaphongsavan551]

, Thank you Dr. Paul T. Carter, very best film, as we would love to sitdown have a cup of coffee in my town.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir - I hope our paths cross! Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@SteveBonomolo]

Very interesting, stationed @ Ubon air base 68-69, US Air Force, aircraft battle damage technician, also pulled guard duty at night to back up the AF Security Police, some wild times back in the day, God Bless America 👍

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thanks for sharing Steve, I can only imagine back in the day. Appreciate you watching and commenting, and I hope you check out other videos on my channel

[@suvang5373]

I Was a forward Air Guided Stationed On top of the. Skyline ridge , my name Was Lu Lu Or Blue moon .

[@CarterOnConflict]

My honor to meet you and thank you for your service. Please email me at [e-mail]

[@militaire5919]

🙋‍♂

[@Mede773]

My grandfather, Thai Army, had served in the United States Army.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thanks for sharing, how blessed the US Army was to have his service. I have met a very few Thai - not many - that served in the US Army. That meant these Thai were very well trained, spoke good English, had exceptional skills. I think you would enjoy my video on our clandestine air unit The Ravens during the Vietnam War, here is my video on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWUf32MZtaIaKMsi=EDyS-K-LIY_F1Epm

[@RealmeC-cp9xn]

​@@CarterOnConflictno fake news

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@RealmeC-cp9xn no fake news indeed sir. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Jewclaw]

Riveting stories as always

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir!!! Glad you enjoy the videos, and again I appreciate you watching and commenting and sharing.

[@handsomeman-pm9vy]

@@CarterOnConflict I suspect that the YMCA was involved.

[@namenoname5634]

คุณ วีระ

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you dear Khun Veera!

[@militaire5919]

Hello

[@CarterOnConflict]

I hope you enjoyed

[@user-lm1gz7zj5d]

Mouse trap died in battle in close combat

[@CarterOnConflict]

Yes sir - thank you for adding.

[@Ned88Man]

I think the CIA is still very active in Thailand

[@CarterOnConflict]

You think? What a waste if they are.

[@Ned88Man]

@@CarterOnConflict agree. Not sure why they would need to be, this isn’t the 60s. Also, I have only heard this from some expat Americans in northeast Thailand, I don’t know this to be fact.