CIDG was originally created by U.S. Army Special Forces to organize ethnic minorities—especially Montagnards, Nungs, and Cambodians—into village defense and strike forces.
CIDG strike forces were known as MIKE Forces, LLDB‑controlled commando teams, and specialized sub‑units like Dòng Trẻ.
The DONG TRE were among the most aggressive and mobile CIDG elements.
The Biệt Kích Quân DONG TRE typically conducted:
Long‑range patrols into VC‑controlled jungle
Hunter‑killer missions against VC/NVA sapper units
Ambushes along infiltration routes
Camp defense during major attacks (e.g., Tet Offensive)
Quick‑reaction deployments to reinforce isolated outposts
Intelligence gathering for ARVN, LLDB, and U.S. advisors
Their operations often resembled those of MACV‑SOG recon teams, though CIDG units usually operated within South Vietnam’s borders unless attached to cross‑border programs.