Special Forces soldiers are trained to operate both with a team and as an individual.  The U.S, Army has recently adopted the phrase "An Army of One" in its recruiting campaign.  However, members of A-502 were functioning as an army of one long ago. When Vietnamization, the act of turning complete responsibility for the war over to the South Vietnamese was instituted, A-502's man power began to be reduced.  For that reason, team members took patrols and night ambushes to the field . . . alone.  For the advisor on such an assignment, the only American voice he would hear until he returned would be in the earpiece of his radio handset.

     Despite his training to operate alone, Special Forces soldiers were also trained to use every weapon in the arsenal of the United States.  That arsenal included more than simply weaponry.  It included equally well trained men and units in other military branches. The units listed below were among those who supported A-502.  This list of units comprises a varied array of, possibly, surprising supporters.  Click on the patches below to see how each unit supported Detachment A-502.