Memorial Plaque dedicated to Tibetan Freedom Fighters at Camp Hale. Central Intelligence Agency photo.
In the late 1950s, Tibet was under increasing pressure from the Chinese government, which sought to consolidate its control over the region. The Tibetan people, known for their rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions, faced severe repression. In response, a resistance movement began to form, seeking to preserve their way of life and gain independence from Chinese rule.
ST Circus
From 1958 to 1964, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States covertly trained nearly 300 Tibetan Freedom Fighters at Camp Hale in Colorado. This operation was part of a broader strategy to counter Chinese influence during the Cold War. The training program, known as “ST Circus,” aimed to equip the Tibetan fighters with the skills needed to conduct guerrilla warfare against the Chinese forces.
Camp Hale, located in the Rocky Mountains, was an ideal location for training due to its high altitude and rugged terrain, which closely resembled the conditions in Tibet. The camp was originally constructed in 1942 as a U.S. Army training facility for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Named after General Irving Hale, it was situated in the Eagle River Valley at an elevation of 9,238 feet (2,815 meters). The soldiers at Camp Hale were trained in mountain climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, cold-weather survival, and various weapons and ordnance. At its peak, the camp housed approximately 15,000 soldiers.
The Tibetan recruits underwent rigorous training in various aspects of guerrilla warfare, including sabotage, demolition, radio operations, and survival skills. The CIA also provided them with weapons, supplies, and financial support.
Operations in Tibet
After completing their training, the Tibetan fighters were covertly inserted back into Tibet through various clandestine means, including parachute drops and overland routes. These operations were fraught with danger, as the fighters had to evade Chinese patrols and navigate the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas. Once inside Tibet, they established secret bases in remote areas, from which they launched their operations.
The Tibetan fighters conducted numerous operations against Chinese military installations and supply lines, aiming to disrupt the Chinese occupation and rally support for the Tibetan cause. They employed guerrilla tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks, to inflict damage on the Chinese forces. These operations were often carried out under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of their intimate knowledge of the local terrain.
Despite their bravery and determination, the Tibetan fighters faced overwhelming odds against the well-equipped and numerically superior Chinese forces. The Chinese military responded with brutal force, launching large-scale offensives to root out the resistance. The Tibetan fighters had to constantly move and adapt to avoid capture, often retreating to higher altitudes and more inaccessible regions.
The Tibetan resistance faced several challenges, including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited resources. The high altitude and extreme cold of the Tibetan plateau made survival difficult, and the fighters often struggled with shortages of food, medicine, and ammunition. Additionally, the Chinese government launched a series of brutal crackdowns on the Tibetan population, making it increasingly difficult for the resistance to operate. Villages suspected of harboring fighters were subjected to reprisals, and many Tibetans were arrested, tortured, or killed.
The CIA’s support for the Tibetan fighters waned over time, as geopolitical priorities shifted. By the mid-1960s, the U.S. government was increasingly focused on the conflict in Vietnam, and support for the Tibetan resistance was gradually scaled back. The CIA’s support for the Tibetan independence movement ended after President Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. This visit marked a significant shift in U.S.-China relations, leading to the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries. As a result, the CIA’s Tibetan program, which had been a part of the broader strategy to counter Chinese influence during the Cold War, was discontinued. Despite this, the Tibetan fighters continued their struggle, driven by their unwavering commitment to their cause.
Legacy and Impact
Although the Tibetan resistance ultimately did not achieve its goal of independence, their struggle left a lasting impact on the Tibetan people and their quest for freedom. The story of the Tibetan Freedom Fighters and their covert training by the CIA remains a tribute to the resilience and determination of the Tibetan people in the face of adversity. The legacy of the Tibetan resistance continues to inspire those who seek justice and freedom around the world.
Camp Hale National Monument
In 2022, Camp Hale was designated as a National Monument, recognizing its historical significance and preserving its legacy for future generations. The designation honors the site’s role in training the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and its later use in the covert training of Tibetan Freedom Fighters by the CIA. Today, Camp Hale National Monument serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who trained there, both American soldiers and Tibetan fighters. Visitors to the monument can explore the rugged landscape, learn about its rich history, and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Resources
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
Camp Hale National Monument
fs.usda.gov/visit/camp-hale-continental-divide-national-monument