Edward Lansdale was a CIA operative in Saigon who helped Diem organize which army?

Edward Lansdale was a CIA operative in Saigon who helped Diem organize which army?

• A. ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam)
• B. PLA
• C. US Army
• D. Viet Cong

Answer: (A)

Edward Lansdale’s work in Saigon focused on building a native force loyal to the Diem regime to counter communist insurgents. He helped organize the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the South Vietnamese army created to defend Saigon and fight the Viet Cong. This force was distinct from the Viet Cong guerrillas, from the PLA, and from American troops, though U.S. advisers like Lansdale supported its development. The ARVN became the primary military backbone of South Vietnam under Diem.

Edward Lansdale’s work in Saigon focused on building a native force loyal to the Diem regime to counter communist insurgents. He helped organize the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the South Vietnamese army created to defend Saigon and fight the Viet Cong. This force was distinct from the Viet Cong guerrillas, from the PLA, and from American troops, though U.S. advisers like Lansdale supported its development. The ARVN became the primary military backbone of South Vietnam under Diem.