 The morale and discipline of the indigenous forces had sunk so low that they began to leave their defensive positions without permission, although their section of the camp was never subjected to a major ground attack.Consequently, the behavior of indigenous CIDG soldiers during the various stages of the battle, coupled with information that "friendly" Montagnard soldiers had turned on U.S. Marines at Ngok Tavak, had the effect of unnerving U.S. troops in Khâm Đức.To ensure CIDG soldiers would not abandon their posts, U.S. soldiers threatened to shoot anyone attempting to run away.