Combined Action Program Monument

Combined Action Program was a United States Marine Corps operational initiative in the Vietnam War and proved to be one of the most effective counterinsurgency tools developed during that conflict.

​Operating from 1965 - 1971 this program was characterized by the placement of a 13-member Marine rifle squad, augmented by a U.S. Navy Corpsman, and strengthened by a 30-man Vietnamese Militia Popular Forces Platoon (PF's or Nghia Quan). The Nghia Quan were residents of the hamlet who were either too young or too old to be drafted into the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) or the Regimental Forces (DIA Phuong Quan). The entire unit U.S. Marines and the Popular Forces Militia members together was designated as a Combine Action Platoon (CAP).

The combining of the Marine Rifle Squad with the local PF's and assigning them a village to protect proved to be a force multiplier. The basic model was to combine Marines and PF's to form a village defense platoon. It was effective in denying the enemy a sanctuary at the local village level.

In the six years of operation an estimated 5000+ Marines participated in the program and were attached to one of 114 cap units in South Vietnam. 468 CAP Marines were killed in action, with an additional 57 non-hostile deaths.

We dedicate this memorial column to all those Marines and Navy Corpsmen who served in the Combined Action Program during the Vietnam War.

Dedicated on March 29, 2023 - National Vietnam Veterans Day.