Communications/Electronics
- Operations. The communications platoon supported battalion operations conducted in conjunction with operation Prairie throughout the month. During the period 1-6 September 1966, while on sweep operations in the vicinity of Dong Ha Mountain, intra battalion communications and external communications were via radio exclusively. From 8 September to 1 October 1966 as the battalion occupied a command post in the vicinity of the ‘Rock’ Thon Son Lam RVN (coord 976567), external communications to higher headquarters and other units’ operation in the area were via VHF radio. Intra battalion communications were provided by VHF radio and wire. Communications between the battalion rear echelon located at Dong Ha, RVN and the Battalion command post were via VHF radio during the entire period.
On 24 September 1966, Capt. Thomas P Donnelly, USMC was relieved as battalion communications officer by Capt. Fredrick E. Boone USMC.
- Radio. The nature of battalion operations dictated the use of VHF radio for support of combat operations. Radio communications were considered very good, and no significant outages were experienced. Although a relay station was established to endure communications to regimental headquarters, it was seldom necessary to use its services. Occasionally, during the early evening hours 1900-2100, direct communications with regiment became somewhat marginal due to atmospherics. Also, some apparently unintentional interference was experienced. However, it was sporadic, of short duration, and never disrupted communications. The RC-292 antenna was employed on all nets. Local battalion operations were relatively short range, which presented no communication problems. Direct radio communications were maintained to subordinate elements of the battalion at all times.
- Wire. Wire communications was provided for the battalion command post and the battalion rear echelon. The rear echelon was provided local service and entry into the III MAF telephone system. The fixed location of the battalion command post permitted the installation of a local telephone system to service the battalion within the perimeter. This resulted in a considerable reduction in administrative traffic over radio.
- Message Center. Battalion message center personnel were assigned to augment the regimental message center the entire month.
- Equipment. No significant equipment problems were encountered during the month. The AN/PRC-25 continues to prove an excellent field radio. Of seven radios returned for maintenance only three required module replacement. The Remainder required only minor adjustments, and all were returned to the field except one, which was forwarded the FLSU for repair. Twelve handsets (H-138/U), component of the AN/PRC-25, became inoperative mainly due to defective transmitter elements and switches. This is considered well within acceptable limits in view of the utilization of the equipment. Of three rated AN/PRC-41 radios only one was available for operations at the end of the month. One complete AN/PRC-41 and replacement parts for the imperative one on hand has been placed on priority two requisitions.
This page last corrected 25 August 2011