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CONFIDENTIAL

Approved for public release; distribution isunlimited.

Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agenciesand their contractors;Administrative/Operational Use; 11 MAY 1970.Other requests shall be referred to Office ofthe Adjutant General (Army), Washington, DC20310.

AGO ltr 29 Apr 1980 ; AGO ltr 29 Apr 1980

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN DELIMITED

AND CLEARED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

UNDER DOD DIRECTIVE 5200.20 AND

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ITS USE AND DISCLOSURE.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE;

DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED,

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The classified or limited status of this report applies to each page, unless otherwise marked. Separate page printouts MUST be marked accordingly.

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NOTICE: When government or other drawings, specifications or other data are used for any purpose other than in connection with a defi- nitely related government procurement operation, the U.S. Government thereby incurs no responsibility, nor any obligation whatsoever; and the tact that the Government may have formulated, furnished, or in any way supplied the said drawings, specifications, or other data is not to be regarded by implication or otherwise as in any manner licensing the holder or any other person or corporation, or conveying any rights or permission to manufacture, use or sell any patented invention that may in any way be related thereto.

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-...■,..^..__-^. ..'."■ ,. ,. ,",.*

·•·

THIS DOCUMENT IS BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. THE COPY

FURNISHED TO DTIC CONTAINED

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„ —-- 7-

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CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL WASHINGTON, D.C^ 20310

CO

Ll_

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lNnEPLYHEFERTO

AGDA (M)

SUBJECT:

■ge-OL'LUbn—i-9 7 0 (U Occ 70) -FOR|ÖT-UT 702061.

Oparatloiiol Reportla/Lessons Leamed, Headquarters, 2L0ch "Aviation Battalion fw»=*e-r-*od ^nding 30 April 1970 (U)

sl i SEE DISTRIBUTION

/ •

/

^

/ 7^. 1. Subject report is forwarded for review and evaluation in accordance with paragraph 4b, AR 525-15. Information of actions initiated as a result of subject report should be forwarded to ACSFOR OT UT within 90 days of receipt of covering letter.

2. Information contained in this report is provided to insure appropriate benefits in the future from lessons learned during current operations and may be adapted for use in developing training material.

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:

1 Incl as

^L^f ^Jcj/^-

DISTRIBUTION: Commanding Generals

US Continental Army Command US Army Combat Developments Command US Array Materiel Command . ,

Commandant s US Army War College US Array Command and General Staff College; US Array Armor School US Array Aviation School US Array Corabat Surveillance School US Army Electronic Warfare School US f^rmy Engineer School US Army Field Artillery School US Army Infantry School

KENNETH G. WICKHAM Major General, USA The Adjutant General

y-D D C

.■.%/ft

^

US Array Intelligence School Regraded unclassified when separated from classified Inclosure.

y u CONFIDENTIAL

in

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CONFIDENTIAL

DISTRIBUTION (Cont'd) US Army Ordnance School US Army Signal School US Array Southeastern Signal School US Army Transportation School

Copies furnished: Office, Chief of Staff, US Army Deputy Chiefs of Staff Chief of Research and Development Assistant Chiefs of Staff Chief of Engineers Commanding Generals

Deseret Test Center US Array Flight Training Center III Corps, ATTN: Director, Project MASSTER

Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Force, Plans & Operations Commandant of the Marine Corps The Air University Library Defense Documentation Center USAF Project RAND Commanding Officers

US Anny Limited War Laboratory US Army Logistics, Doctrine Systems & Readiness Agency US Army Aviation Test Activity US Array Mobility Equipment Research & Development Center

CONFIDENTIAL

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IJIJ.J-IJIBI^IIUIIILI.IJIH.M'.'.- .M,-i.>i^.--»|Hmp..«»i-.iJpPf«. ■uLwiMi ■H^i>ii*^^mK!Hn||l|p««HR9PIP|BaiaMP

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CONFIDENTIAL

DEPARUCHT OF THE PMTl HEADQUARTERS, 210TH AVIATION BATTALION (GONBAT)

A.^O San Francisco 96530

AVBACA-CC 11 May 1970

SUBJECT: Operational Reports - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation Battalion (Combat) for the ^eriod Ending (30 April 70) RCS C?FORr65) (R?) (U)

SEE DISTRI'JUTIC!!

1. (C) Operations: ^irnificant Activities;

a. Fission: ;'!o changes have been made in the units mission during the reporting period.

b. Organization:

(1) Effective 1 Kay 1970 the 73d Aviation Company (Survl Apln) is transfered to the 16hth rtvi;;tion Group (Combat), "ertinent jnformation will be included in the CRLL for the next quarter,

(2) burins the month of February 1970, the 5>Uth Aviation Company (Util Apln) moved from Vunf; Tau to Long Thanh Horth, Republic of Vietnam. The move was completed on 23 February 1970,

(3) During the month of February 1970, the 73d Aviation Company (Survl Apln) moved from Vung Tau to Long Thanh North, Republic of Viet- nam. The move was completed on 28 February 1970,

c. Command and Staff; The following signifleant changes occurred in the 210th Aviation Battalion Command tfn

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CONFIDENTIAL

AV3ACA-CC 11 May 1970 P'njECT: Operational It-porta - Lessons Lerrned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Conl-.pt) for the Period Ending (30 April 70) RCS CSFnR_65) fRO) (jr^

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVD/.CA-CC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Cper-.ti-inl r^corts - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation battalion

(Cornbr.t) far ihi Period Fading (30 April 70) RCS CSFCR-65) {R2) CJ)

EN TOTAL Assigned '.'nit.; (oon tj Aitb C n Auth C/K ,.uth 0/H Auth 0/H

73d hvn Co 15 21 22 16 291 281 332 318

7hth Avn Jo hi 15 2 15 103 91 1146 121

iBath Avn Co 32 19 2 7 89 81 123 107 TOTAL 13U 96 71 HI 813 760 1022 937

OFF wo EM TOTAL Attached Units Auth 0/H Auth 0/H Auth '0/H Auth 0/H

197th Mod net 1 1 C 0 6 fi 9 Q

316th Avn Det 1 1 0 0 16 11 17 12

365th Avn Dct 1 1 0 0 20 2h 21 25

T)eJ. IOJ 5th 'er.ther ''q i 1 0 0 r 6 8 7 TOTAL I I 0 0 Ä h9 ^ ^3

(2) Civilian:

Unit DAG

..uth f )/!! V/N

,.uth 0/H 3d NAT

Aulh Ö/H TECH

Auth REn

o78

ID-IC 0 c 17 13 0 0 0 0

25th Avn Cc 0 0 1, it h 0 0 1 0

5Iith Avn Co 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

73A Mn Oo 0 0 23 39 0 0 3 2

7Uth Avn Cc 0 0 9 9 0 0 0 0

iShth Avn Cc 0 0 7 7 0 0 0 0

197 Med Tct 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

316th Avn Dot 0 c 0 0 0 0 0 0

365th Avn ?8t 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 0 £l Ih 0 0 h 2

INCL 3

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AVJACA-CC SlfuJEC:

CONFIDENTIAL

11 May 1970 C>,r.U n-1 Reports - Loss^ns Learned 210th Aviation Battalion fConbat) for the Period Fading (30 Aoril 70) RCS CSFOh-65) 'Hi' ■ {I' ■

0 , i^jrcraft ^tatHS : '"•JÜ ]ricI 2^

•:'■ r^i. ■:-': R; 3vlts: (Sc-y Incl 3)

r.-rM-:n">'l i.'an.-^wn.-r.t: 'Tec- Tncl I; 1

CD

nc :■ ccuritv ■ .pp. „„„ , 4- .^ fonowi"i? nctivitiea regarding

- ^.. w.re conducted d>:rlnr tho rcnorting oorlod.

"''.r.-^'.^.nci a Validntod : 3

cnt. .'; arr.nc»-.'! "-'H 11 dated; 1L?

'.4 ; ci. r' ■■;i.' a . ranted : r-7

^7} ■. ■'■. i-, L'chcola filled:

(a) P/i-.'.F Life .Support, School (''L"S); 5

\^J .mngle ij.vi ronmenta'.■"urvlva"; c:chool fj^ST): 1

i- ' p i'-ti ^:

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'AttaL^ot; ibat

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fcr Ifq,

i- nort.inf: period ccr.jj.-nits •-*' the 210th Aviation ■■ vlded cperttlenrl M;ppt rt as fpilous:

n r.r.rrnnny ■■rrvi-c'od ftaff in1, fownand transport ,•;, affillUted-unltSj -nd Z('OS.

clud( Dort

. — - i,»j,iuiuu nnpaac, to in- ,; irt : tr".n!!Port, rsv^holcical warfare aorial sup-

din c!-

phc'.O' rni - ■.■•,< t ct. t^ ::i.. ■■ • . ■ roviding general sunnort to II Field i-'-n-' i '.nc '.lrf»ct sirapert to the Ist Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), 1st Infant:;. . iv'nlon, r.nJ tiy.- 2;th Infantry Plvieion,

!

..eriil surveillar.ce suoport as lud'b visuol reconnaissance, aerjr.l roviding general suoport to II

CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL AVBAGA-CC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Cpor^.ti n-.l Reports - Lessors Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Conbat) for the Porxod Endinp (30 April 70) PCS CSFOR-65) (R2) (U)

(d) 7Uth Aviation Company provided general aerial recomsissance support to 25th Infantry Division, 23rd and 27th Artillery Groups, 5th ani 13th ARVN Divisions, a nc1 CNAC to include visual reconnaissance and directing artillary ?nd naval gun fireo

(e) Ichth Aviation Gcmoany nrovided General aerial reconnaissance aupnort to 1st Infantry Tivision, 199th Infantry Brigade, 25th AP.VM Division, 5th Special Forces Group and CMAC, to include visual recon- naissrnco and directing artillery fire,

J. Logistics: Aircraft Availability (See Incl 5)

k. Aviation Saf: ty:

FIXED WIM'. ROT/VHY WT'JG TOTAL

(1) Major Accidents

(2) Combat ranac^o

(3) Finor Accidents

(h) Prccautionara- landings

(5) orcetl -am ings

1 0 1

5 1 6

i 0 1

6 1 7

1 0 1

0 1 1 (6) .Tncj donts

(7) Battalion accident rate during period: 8.6

1. Sj.-nalt

(1) During the period radio teletype communications were estab- lished vith the Idhth Aviation Comany.

(2) An emergbney power facility was constructed for operating the battalion operation center during nowrr failures,

(3) Equipnunt was obtained to install sensor units around the per- imeter of Long Thanh Worth.

m. Installation development; Tno fcllowin^ projects were completed during thin period,

(1) Upgrading of contonmeut areas for the 5Iith /iviation Company and the 73d Aviation Company.

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CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL ATOACA-CC 11 Fay 1970 S^J^v^t^C',,: l-pentlcrrl Reports - Lesron? I-e.irnod 21üth Aviation Dnttrlion

Jcrio.-.t) f.T the Period Endinp (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-6^

.2 ■ ;'-bui» lin, Michigan Sector of the berm to irclude installntion cf six :. uiKt-rg,

(3) J.r.plctiun ,r t.... 5uth aircraft

n. }■•:,,■ \ .-- •. 1 •

fl; •■ i,.t:t Physiccls! 91

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(J ■■' ic- 1 tvcir.tions: 7?

0 h' . ., -.■■ and !! ,-j nal Sorv*cf;S:

(1) ■.r,-,,.. i,

thif1 n 'omn.'nc;<

.s.irii,.-- T ri-llfi: .;.'. rctrentn w.re soh^dulpd thrcufhout, 12th ■. rM'. .■'? MT:h. - 2 V/ir-h, 'ol..nil John Hurtes initiated

•... vontum w:'.,: : Kiok-o^f banquet in which all Battalion , '■'-. r >-.-,i •" "'aj-" ■;n S^Oth I'attalion to have had :a;v -.1 ; rcf-nl.ifi.' i: poraonnöl participating in the retreat,

.T. .' April, 1970 Chaplain Loso Initi".Led a "Marriage Enrichment i; '.; t,u^ nt LV'JC ficur£ in the ßf.tta'.nn Kess Hall. The course :' :■ tn[\,d prof^s.'.iciial counseling; cisccursc given by Mr. Stein-

sponsere' quaoii^y

ft; 12 th :-r. thü stizu

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Cjiu'st1" ■ con/ 1 '::'" merit2 ,-f a 11 vt; l;y boun r--:"'

T.ct.1. an. wing this 'r.ictic.l oriented lecture iscussiun w,ulc: be chaired. This nrrri.-pe ^ra^ichment scries has :. c. • :.' :.■:: i ■ M -,•;! Ly.

v.

fr:V ..': ■ fe f.'Licn f-S auction complotcd the

n c! !> r-- '.,:■■ ;t run- w;;i< started in March to supply the ith funds t purchase punplioSa

tbi March tb.; Hlnh Education Center was furnished with the

CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL AV3ACA-CC 11 May 1970 SU3,TECT: Operational Rooorta - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation battalion

(Combat) for the Period Endinr (30 April 70) RCS CSPOR-65) (R2) (U)

following aupplies,

1. 50 feet of electricel wire,

2. 25 chairs.

3. 1 fas operated water pump.

(c) The following supplins were furnished to the Tan Mai Orphnnape

1. 25 sets of deeks and chairs durinp March.

?. 20 ^ixue of clothing on 15 April.

(d) In April the Hamlet of Thai Thien was given 50 pieces of culvert 10 of which will be used for a well.

(e) On 20 April the writing boards in the Thai Loc Hamlet and 0r- phannfjo were rcfinsihed with blackboard paint,

2. (0) Lessens Learned: Commander's Observation, Evaluation and Recommendations:

a, Personnel: Hone

b, Intelliponce: None

c, OperrtJcns!

(1) Wronf series engines for U-1A aircraft

(a) Observation: Three R-13hO-57 onginos were received by tlie 5l4th AC for engine replacements. The R-I3I4O-57 engine is for use on a H-19 helicopter and is not usable on a U-1A airplane. The correct series engine is the R-1310-61,

(b) Evaluation: In March of 1970 the 5Uth MAC required 11 un- scheduled englre changeo. Of the engines received, three were the R-13UO-57 series. The -57 series has a blockage in the oil line from the oil pump through the propeller shaft to the propellor governor area. The blockade can only be removed by a depot maintenance facilityj no depot maintenance is presently available in RVN for re- ciprocating iwigincB. The error in series was discovered after two of the engines were mounted. This necessitated removal of the en- ginos and return to C0NUS. Approximately 500 manhours vere wasted during the installation and removal of the -57 sngines.

f/

CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVBACA-CC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT; r>;r't1 ■.',•.! "ports - I^ss^ns Leaned 210th Aviation Battalion

^orf'-t) r r ♦'u r'r---ic-; v',,"-;^ (30 April 70) Rcs cSFOR-65)

c F t. c oim if,- nd it ion; Quality control rer.sured of reciprocating irü.-'jn«. •.••'•• rK'ail T.-u-iTlticL in CC^flS iticludo measures to detect the exact {.w. r!'3 of :■ .■■'-Vj/iO °n«'lne.

/ Ac_rJ n' !jltth .;>.' :jubir.itt/3d »jmergency EIRa for the

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pad im: oitu.- Iti thr ( n' :u.- • of a hu

c)

turct (■.■. i-'ic'. ,•:.•' O'I^-;'.r-'. "..'WV':>C'J{I issued dii^ctions for a enc v. ' ^,-. r■. 1 ., L'\ '11 rt-'i3^^ Leines to determine that correct ritjriefl '.•,,..:.;'.; w-r, i. hi-.nd by ail imiuj units.

s'.:3, t.,•■«;;',. . '.itroi tower at Red C-^.i-pct Helipad

ffcsfc'r.'.ilj-.;!: /'•. . rdrcraft advisory at the units RecJ'Carpot ■ Lri'-.'-ud v;-. • . • .y by btiin^ .nfined to one window which

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Li'-.n; ■'"i!-.: t ■ t.rii.i n;rh 'i-nr, i r.y ef traffic at the heli- . ;;:,-.i i n; i f.y cf traffic in the area, an extremely dangerous

.. ■■ '.;iat t'Uu adviser^ rxirswnncl wero unable to see •^■.: u \.h'rj WfTR r'-snonrible for. This situation KM

;• '.vt r.1. .. the advisory was Icc'.tod on the ground floor of a huildnig with only one window facing the helipad.

i.'c .;:::n.rr1' •'!■ rn; Hono

(.'' Ccmarj f\^tl?n'. A oontrol tower to prcvic-a 360 negrees of vlöi'-'" .U/- was built by merabera of this "omrnanr-,

i..),l ..ly? ■ •'. . .,o.y^!-i.;: ti'i.; "rim^diaLe Rioto Jjaterprctation Reports.

u / ..uet-rvallor;: Hie prosenl arrangement- whereby the 73dAO must hand- cany [ITTSTö ''n bearcat Meaaapu Center for uor2.d~v;ide teletype dis- QüT j.n(:*,.,l ■ .u, v,-; t ful of p-eraonnel and vehicles, and delays the dissem-

lnat.ii n :■( :;,:; U^fonce information.

(b; .•.. ■ L .^U'-r,: Üvcry 2.!. hours tin. 73'"' ^ Imagery Interpretation Sec- tier pLti-.LiUs m nv-, ragi- of twn classified mess^ea requiring dis- tribtition >- ■i;'.ntr-um of thirteen addresses. The information contained in ti.e ■ -- ■, jf,;.i, is cf -. highly perishable nature and rapid dissemina- tion i r1r:i. iiipirtr.nce. Un. •■ tlie existing communications arrangement it. .'.;. :■.■?■ r;-- r ;.■ 73'-' ^-rs:n;nt.l to .Inve from Long Thanh North to Dsar- crt i.-' - t a r. a3"({t;! r.my : transmitted by ; he Dearcat Messago Cen- ter, lb, 1;. arran^emt/nt is L-art:. culr. ry unsatisfactory in that the messag'es are, L - ■•.■■ mcr.-l pn.rt, c t'osei, at nirht when the road between the two pc^ts lb ciocad, Piioto intprpiretation reports completed at 2200 hra may not be t---f-i tt^r until GßdO bra or later the following day.

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVBAGA-CC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Operaticnr.l Reports - Lessens Learned 21üth Aviation Pattalion

(Combat) for the Period Endine (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-65) (B2) (a)

(c) Recommendations: The 73d has ground communications section capable of teletype transmission with its organic AN/GRC lit2. The equipment is no>; used in a direct line circuit with II FFV. It is re- commended that the 73d be authorized a pony circuit whereby the mess- ages penorated by the II section could be telotyped from the 73d commun-

ications facility at Long Thanh North to the Bearcat Kessage Center for world-wide distribution, Such an arrangement would eliminate the unacceptable delays now experienced in the dissemination of intelligence reports.

(d) Command Action: The above unit has a coimnand letter in channels at this time requosti ng the pick up of a pony circuit,

(k) Maintenance of l.ycoming T-53 Turbine Engines.

(a) Observation: The T-53 engine consistantly required overhauling over short ■.«ric^s of time. Oil contamination was the single over- riding problom»

(b) Evaluation: Each of the engines overhauled were nearly new or had receiveH extensive maintenance in the recent past. Oil contamination waa traced to the Western gearbox. The Western gearbox was extracted from the engine assembly and a rusted idler pear was discovered inside,

(c) ReconTMndati -ns : The Western gearbox is not a time-change itom. It should be classifiecTa time-between overhaul it«m (TBO) and it is re- commended that in the process of building a turbine engine, for installa- tion the western gearbox should be throughly inspected for operation,

(d) Command Action; SIR'S concerning this deficiency have been submitted and recommendations made that the Western gearbox be made a tiroe-between-overhaul,

(5) OV-1 Support

(a) Observation; Support by OV-1 aircraft should not become stereo- typed, but studies should constantly bo made to improve the product,

(b) Evaluation; The infra-red surveillance system uses infra-red radiation as a detection souroe. This radiation is heat energy which lies between the visible light and microwave energy spectrum. During the last quarter due to the amount of fires, the validity of hot tar- gets has beootse questionable-. The validity of targets in the III CTZ during the dry season prompted the 73d to change from area type sur- veillance to strip type surveillance. The inability of Imagery Inter- pretation centers to sanitize all the fires set by artillery and by Viet- namese burning off their rice fields makes it almost impossible to run

CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVMCA-CG 11 May 1970 STOJEOT; C^pürational Reports - Lessons Learned 21Dth Aviation Battalion

(Combat) for the Porlod Ending (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-65) (R2) ':^

croa search t>pti mis.ior^ in III CTZ. The company experimuntod with diffe.fint tyjjo detectors and flew various altitudes to determine the btist typ-t.' detector * use and the best altitude to fly the mission, ■ilso cf im-,;ortancü s?3 the typ^ targets the various supported units wfcre l.okint for in their TüOlVs. The 25th Div was interested in sam- pan tr..'Tic In the .-lain of Reeds, while the Ist Cav was interested in cookir«.. ires and vonicular traffic* The best results were obtained using long uotectcr in conjunction wjth " short detector giving the syst-r. the rr^'ti ■ t flexibility. The best altitude depended on the mise u n,

(o / («.'Ctrtii e..'ia' tun :

irinr th cry eenacn in the III CTZ 0V~1 infra-red surveillance chnnr.'d from art?-1, search to strip type targets so that saniti- flrns and thi1 validity cf the targets can be more effective,

at ^*.,"icr (' 1 un; tr; roevaluate their missions during different ,v. i i ' ; .;eming sterse typed,

^c*^ ComiTv-'.nd Action: The CV-1 surveillance mission was changed from area search to strlpHbype surveillance,

(6) 01 Niaaion Concept:

(a, Observation; Operational mlssicns in support of various agency should have a clearly slated ■ rn writing) Oporational Concept and mission roquirementN,

(b) Lvaiuatiün; Suria'- the part quarter this headquarters encount- ered sorae OD-Jrational prol Jjems caused by inexperienced ground commanders failing, t 'make full are cf their aviation assets. One comna nder wanted only ra.'i. reLay fror, an Ci anc would not allow the 01 to adjust artil-

lery j tiivi* ';.•■ XitRP a poöitiüü fix or diruct gunshipo, stating tliese shoulc \A. doon irom the C&C aiilp which took 1,5 minutes to scramble. Another unit had a morning briefing for the Commanding General at which timf. he wae bruföd ^n aircraft utilization, by his Staff. Since his subordir.rr.-" ,. -im'.n1! rs icr^ew he compared the percentage of aircraft utillzau n by :.n

seaaens ■

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CONFIDENTIAL I

AVB/^CA-CC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Opercticncl üeporte - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(äümL.at) fjr the Period Ending (30 April 70) RCS CSFCB-ö^) (R2) (U)

(c) Recommendation;

lo That a mission deacription and aircraft justificaticn be written by each supported unit amd forwarded through supported unit ooxwiand cKsn- nela to Hq IIFFV, ATTN: AVFBC-A for approval. Once approved these should be sent to units concerned as missionfl,

2_, That an operational concept for 01s in Vietnam be made avail- able as guidance to both ground and aviation commanders,

(d) Command Action: A letter requesting this be done was submitted thru Command Channels to Hq ITFFV, ATTTI: AVFDC-A, An aggressive lia- ison program at battalion level has been developed to preclude problems of this nature,

d. Organizationt None

e. Training;

(1) Training of maintanance personnel in the use of test oquip- ment peculiar to the side looking airborne radar system.

(a) Observation: Newly assigned personnel who have been school trained at FT Huachuca, Arizona are not familiar with the operation and use of the teat equipment necessary to the upkeep of the AN/APS/9U side looking radar systan. In particular the test set indicator AN/GPM 52, wWch purposo is to check the overall performance of the system after calibration aid to technically allign the radar systen.

(b) Evaluation; special on the Job training specifically de- voted to the test set indicator AN/GFM 52, and the allignroent of the AN/APS $k system was im 'iated by the SLAR maintenance Officer and the Motorola field service representative. The overall performance and caliber of imagery both in the aircraft and that received by the ground terminal has been increased tremendously by their program. The percent- age of missions Aß or FS and RTB's (returned to base) has dropped con- siderably.

(c) Re commendations: Recommend the following steps be taken to limit the amounfo:? time required to train newly assigned person- nel,

1, Th^t the 26M20 airborne radar repairman course at the Sur- veillance center FT Huachuca, Ariaona be avKluated and looked at closely,

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CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVBAGA-GC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Operational Iteporta - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combo.t) for the Period Ending (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-65) (R2) (U)

2, Morö timu should be allocr.ted in the curriculum for instruction H practical work un the L'J/GPW 52 and other technical teat equip-

ment poculiar to the AU/APS 9U system, AJI/TKQ2.

(d) Comrrand Action; This unit tuis set up an extensive OJT pro- gram that inaures thai all 26H20 pereonnel receiving training on the AN/OrM S2 . rior to actually working on the APS/9U system.

(2) Newly nseiijnud aviator training

(a) Obsei-vutioni Due to personnel shortages, it becomee nec- essary to mcnipulate aviator platoon nsaigna»nts to fuHlll mission re- quirements,

'"^ r.v-al-acticn; As platoons are normally acsigned a specific miselon blocp with' designated AO'a the administrative transfer of an aviator cut of hie platoon will place him in a situation of hav- ing to f.iKl 11 rize himself with a new mission. The time required to do this AJ prrlüd luring which incomplete support will be rendered to the SMP rtccl unit by virtue of the aviator's unfamiliarity with terrain an; Mission requiremonts.

(c) iixjccmmondation: None

(d) CjiiamnA Actioa» A program of pilot rotation has been in- corporated into this unit's in country training program.

f, Lo^jsties;

fll ''n/ogtänic hufrigeration: (Used in Infrared Equipmetat)

(a) cLservation; A higher rnUi of contamination in HD-723 cryononic refrigdratora has been noted in this unit the last quarter.

(b) Evaluation; Contamination occurred due to the fact that the HK1016 a em-ice Tcops were contaminated. fervicJng the i^efi^igeratora with the cvntorainated loops transferred the contamination to the oool- ers, ultimately o-.using fade out problems in the aircraft,

(c) i{pc:"-.mfcindationi That MKlOli» service loops be decontaminated and repree uj-isod every 30 (thirty) days,

(d) Command Actiont Thia unit is now assuring that 30 (ttlrty) day proveniTve ainlntönänce chacko, to include decontamlnaticn and re- pressurization, are being pei'formed,

CONFIDENTIAL

12

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVBACA-GC 11 May 1970 SUBJECT: Operational Reporta - Lessons Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combat) for the Period Ending (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-65) (R2) (U)

posture. These principal Staff Officers devote the riiajority of their tire and that of their staffs is devoted to installation duties. Only pressing problems of subordinate units have been given attention during this quartoi',

(c) lie commendation; That it be recognized, a1 'combat aviation bat- talion headquarters cannot accomplish both missions effectively. That cither the aviation battalion bo augmented or a soperate post head- quarters bu formed,

(d) Command Actiont A letter requesting permission to submit an augmentation TDA has been forwarded thru Command Channels to Head- quarters USARV, ATTN: AVHGC-FD.

• si/i 7 Incl ^ WILLIAM F. Wl/LLI^ S aa LTC, IN Incl 1 w/d HQ DA Commanding

DISTRIBUTION: CIWCirSARVAC, ATTN: GPOP-DT, APO 96558 (2) CG, USARV, ATTN: AVHGC (DST), Ap0 96375 (3) CG, II FFORCEV ATTN: AVFDC-RE-H, APO 96266 (3) CG, IS1^ AVN 3DE, ATTN: AVRAGC, APO 963ÖI4 (2) CO, 12TH AVN GP (CBT). ATTN: AVBACA-SC, APO 96266 CO, 210TH AVN BM (COT), APO 96530 (3)

(5)

CONFIDENTIAL 14

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AVBACA-X (1) May 70) 1st Ind

SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned of the 210th Aviation Battalion (Combat) for Period Ending 30 April 1970, RCS- CSF0R-65 (HI) (U)

DA, HEADQUARTEh.:, 12TH AVIATION GROUP (COMBAT), AFO 96266 27 Hay 1970

TO: ACofS for Force Developnent, DA (ACSFOR, DA) '„ashington, D.C. 2C310

1, In corapliance with AR 525-15 and USARV Reg 525-15, two copies of Operational Report - Lessons Learned of the 21Cth Aviation Battalion (Combat) for the period ending 30 April 1970, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI) (U) are forwarded.

2. Reference 210th Aviation Battalion (Combat) ORLL page 10, section 2, para 2c(6) 0-1 Mission Concept: The G-3 Air, II FFV is currently in the process of visiting cu'' 0-1 supported unit and obtaining a detailed mission description so that the 0-1 units will have definite guide linrs for support,

FOR THE COMMANDER:

Lb t>1 Mi CFT, m ' ' Acting Adjutant

15

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVFBC-RE (11 l!ay 70) 2d Lid SL'BJECTi Operational Reoort - Lessons Learned, 210th Aviation Battalion

(Co.v.bat) for the Period Ending 30 April 1970, RGS GSrOR-6^ (R2) (U)

DA, HQ, II FFORCEV, APO San Francisco 96266 3 JUN 1970

THRUi Conmnding General, 1st Aviation Brigade, ATIL"! AVBA-C, A^O 963^7

Commanding General, US nrmy Vietnam, ATTNl AVKGC(DS:), APO 96375

Commander-In-Chief, US Army Pacific, kT.Wx ^POP-DT, APO 96538

TOi Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Department of the Army, Washington, B.C. 20310

1. (U) 'Ulis headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report - Lessons Learned for the quarterly period ending 30 April 1970 from Headquarters, 210th Aviation Batta".ion (Combat) and concurs except as indicated below.

2. (C) The following additional comments arc provided» •

a. Reference item concerning "Delays in Disseminal ing Immediate Photo Interpretation Reports", page 8, paragraph 2c (3)l nonconcur. The present direct circuit from 73d Aviation iany to II FFORCEV provides access to both III Corps tactical and the world-wide teletype networks. Since perishable information can be transmitted to tactical units faster over the tactical network than over the world-wide network, there is no advantage to be gained by replacing the present circuit by a pony circuit to Bearcat,

b. Reference item graph 2c(6)»

concerning "0-1 Mission Concept", page 1 "'-ll, para-

(1) Tide headquarters concurs in the need for a written justification and description of missions to be performed by 0-1 aircraft. All supported units receiving 0-1 support are being asked to submit to this headquarters a written Justification and description of the missions required for them. Once approved :hese mission descriptions arid aircraft justifica: ions will be distributed "to units concerned.

(2) An operational concept is available for 0-1 aircraft utilization in Vietnam, Military Assistance Command Vietnam Directive 3-1-1, dated 1 November 1968, establishes policy and procedure for the visual reconnais- aance program which la the primary mission for the 0-1 aircraft. In addition, II Field Force Vietnam Regulation J81-1, dated 29 April 1970, prescribes the responsibility and rocedure for visual aerial reconnaissance in III Corps Tactical Zone, and tasks 12th Aviation Broup (Combat) to provide suitable aircraft to support this program. The aircraft best suited for this program is the 0-1. '

16

CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVyBC-RE (11 Kay 70) 2d Ind öUbJECTi Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combat), for the Period Endint; 30 April 1970, RCS CSi-'OR-es (R2)(U)

c. Reference item concerning nCo:abut Aviation Battalion Comaander as Installation Coordinator", page 13, paragraph 2i(l)j nonconcur.

(1) There is no authorisation jor augmentation of the staff of a commander who has been designated en Installation Coordinator. The functions required of the Installation Coorcinator are prescribed by KACV Directive 10-^.

(2) All functions required by the current iACV uirective must be coordinateu with tenant units by the Installation Coordinator. He has no authority LO compel co.-pliance with Ms various installation directions. Con- seqiK-ntly, the Installation Coordinator has been compelled to form a staff and use his own unit to accomplish the required functions.

(3) This headquarters has Deen ini'oraed that 1.ACV Jirectivo 10-4 is being revised to give the Instal'-ation CoordiaaLor the necessary authority to compel compliance with his own directives relating to the installation.

r'OK Tiül GOiilJis'DKRs

C RARTEL, J^ CPI,. AGC Asst AG

Ci-'i CO, 12th Avn Gp (Cbt) CO, 2lLth Avn hn (Cbt)

17

CONFIDENTIAL

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AVBAGC-O (11 Äy 70) 3d Ind SUBJECTi Operational Rtporta-Leesona Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combat) for ehe Peri-i aiding (30 April 70) RCS CSPOR-65 (R2) (U)

DA, HEADQOASTBÖ, 1ST AVIATION ERIQADE, APO 9638^ 18 JUN 1970

THRUi CoBnuanding General, united States Amy Vietnam, ATTNi AVHGG-LßT, APO 96375 CoMBander-ift-Chief, United States kms? Paoifio, ATTNi GPOP-DT, APO 96558

TO 1 Aaaiatant Qiief of Staff for Foroe Development, Depirtment of the An^y, Washington, D.C, 20310

This headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learned of the 210th Aviation Battalion (Combat) and oonours with the report as Indersado

FOR THE COMMAHDrai

BARREN A. PETERSON CPT. AÜC ASST AÜ

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AVHGC-DST (11 May 70) 4th Ind SUBJECT: Operational Reports-Lessons Learned 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combat) for the Period Enoing (30 April 70) RCS CSFOR-65) (R2)(U)

Headquarters, United States Array Vietnam, APO San Francisco 96375 0 4 Jl'l 1370

TO: Commander in Chief, United States Army Pacific, ATTN: GP0P-DT, APO 96558

1. (U) This Headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lea sons Learned for the quarterly period ending 30 April 1970 from Headquarters, 210th Aviation Battalion (Combat) and comments of indorsing headquarters.

2. (C) Conments follow:

a. Reference item concerning "Delays in Disseminating Immediate Photo Interpretation Ueports1,, 2d Indorsement, paragraph 2a: concur. Page 8, paragraph 2c(3) basic report: nonconcur. The 73d Aviation Company has a direct circuit to II FF0RCEV and II FF0RCEV has access to both the III Corps Tactical and world-wide teletype networks. Therefore, the 73d Aviation Company could make dissemination on its Immediate Photo Interpretation Reports by passing them to II FFORCF.V for retransmission. It would appear that this method would be simpler than installing a pony circuit to the Bearcat Message Center, önit has been so advised.

b. Reference item concerning 'Maintenance of Lycoming T-53 Turbine Engine'1, page 9, paragraph 2c(4): connar. The evaluation by AVSCQM , as a result of the F.IR, will determine if this item snould be categorized as a TBO item. Mo action by UCARPAC or DA is recommended.

c. Reference item concerning "0-1 Mission Concept", page 10, paragraph 2c(6): paragraph 2, 1st Indorsement; and paragraph 2b, 2d Indorsement: concur. Concepts for the employment of 0-1 aircraft are presented in the 1st Aviation Brigade's booklet, "Aviation Operational Procedures Guide". The latest edition of this guide will be published shortly; distribution will be made to both ground and aviation commanders. No action by USARPAC or DA is recomnenasd.

d. Reference item concerning "Cryogenic Refrigeration", page 12, paragraph 2f: concur. This information will be published in the 34th General Support Group newsletter. No action by USARPAC or DA is recomnended.

CONFIDENTIAL 19

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GPOP-DT (11 May 70) 5th Ind (U) SUBJECT: Operational Report of HQ, 210th Aviation Battalion

(Combat), for Period Ending 30 April 1970, RCS CSFOR-65 (R2)

HQ, US Array, Pacific, APO San Francisco 96558 1 4 W^6 70

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Department of the Army, Washington, D. C. 20310

This headquarters concurs in subject report as indorse'.d.

FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF:

L.U. 0ZAK CPT, AQC Asst AO

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ADMINSTRATION

1. Personnel Management;

a. Total number of MOS reclassifications during period: 45

b. Total number of assignments during period: OFF - 27, WO - 2A EM - 2A0, Total: 291

c. IHimber of promotions during period:

OFFICER LTC - 0, MAJ - 1, CPT - 2, 1LT - 3, 2LT - 0

WARRANT CWA - 0, CW3 - 0, CW2 - 3, W01 - 0

ENLISTED E9 - 0, E8 - 0, E7 - 0, E6 - 8, E5 - 85, E4 - 83, E3 - 24

d. Number of caoualties during period:

OFFICER WARRANT ENLISTED

KIA NON BATTLE DEAD Mil WOUNDED (RTN TO DY) EVAC FR CBT ZONE

e. Number of orders published during period: SO - 69, LO - 414, 00 - 7

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8

2, Awards Data;

SUBMITTED APPROVED

Silver Star Distinguished Flying Gross Soldiers Medal Bronze Star Medal Air Medal irny Commendation Medal Purple Heart Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry

2 0 21 2

1 1 135 54 501 301 415 220

1 0 1 0

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CONFIDENTIAL 3nc2 i

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1 Feb 70 thru 30 Apr 70

0-1 9U.&

0-6A 81.6

Ü-1A 59.9

U-2U 9^.0

OV-U 77.3

0V-1B 80.7

0V-1C 83.6

0H-58A 84.7

UH-^D 52.0

UH-1H 92.2

Average Availabilityt 85.2

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CONFIDENTIAL

CHAPEL STATISTICS

Occasions I^fumber of Occasions Attendance

Religious Services

Protestant 39 299 Catholic 237 4937

Counseling Sessions 479

Unit Visits 1020

Character Guidance 8 1420 Memorial Service 1

Hospital Visits 2

Stockade Visits 0

Inel 4

26

CONFIDENTIAL

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UNCUSSIFIED SgCUrtty CUmncalion

DOCUMENT CONTROL DATA R&D (Smcurily (tmi »ilif mtion of »Ulm, body ol mbilrmCI mnd ind»*lng »>no

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CONFIDENTIAL 16 CMOUP

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Uperat. iunal Rtiporl - Lessons Learned, HQ, 210th Aviation Battal: 4 OCfCNlFTivHNOTIl fTfp* of rtpatl and Jncfualr» dar*«;

Experiences of unit engaged in counterinsurgency ope rations I Feb tu i" A ^r _ 7 f K ft AuTMONiSI^irar nmrn*. middl» IniUmt. Immt n»mm,

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