![](https://www.historynet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SOG-soldiers.jpg)
A U.S. Special Forces team in a Studies and Observations Group, like the one shown here, was typically led by three Americans working with a varying number of indigenous fighters, perhaps three to nine, on commando-style missions. The teams were given great leeway in uniforms, weapons and tactics. (National Archives)