Communications/Electronics – November 1966

 

Communication/Electronics

  1. Operations.  Normal communications support operations were conducted throughout the month.  Upon arrival in Phu Bai assumptions of the vital area defense Battalion Communication Facilities was commenced.  Existing telephone lines were utilized in so far as possible, however expansion and improvement of the wire system proved to be a major task. Transition of all other phases of communication support activities for the vital area was without incident.
  2. Radio.  Internal battalion radio communications were normal for the reporting period.  Support for all battalion operations in the Phu Bai TAOR was via the battalion tactical net.  Operating ranges were well within the capability of the AN/PRC-25.

(1)               Radio support was provided to the combined action company (CAC) during the month.  In addition to nine (9) AN/PRC-25 radios, which have been with CAC for some months, one additional AN/PRC-25 and ten (10) AN/PRC-10 radios were provided to support CAC operations.  The AN/PRC-10 radios were invoiced to CAC for permanent retention on 23 November 1966.  The AN/PRC-25 radios are to be recovered prior to BLT Rotation.

(2)               Control of the perimeter defense net was assumed concurrent with the battalion assumption of the Phu Bai vital area defense mission.  This net connects all units assigned responsibility for defending sectors of the vital area perimeter.  Net operations were normal for the month.

  1.             Wire.  Normal telephone communications were provided during the month with direct entry into the III MAF telephone system.  All local telephone lines within the immediate CP area were cabled and over headed.  Where possible 25 pair cable was installed in place of field wire with a view toward providing a more permanent, reliable, system to serve the vital area defense battalion.  Additionally, all interior wiring in the battalion COC Bunker was replaced with permanent cable.
  2. Message Center.  Message Center operations for the month were normal.  Message totals for Nov 1966.

(1)               Classified

(a)   Incoming – 385

(b)   Outgoing – 2

(2)               Unclassified

(a)   Incoming – 189

(b)   Outgoing – 9

  1. Training.  A voice radio operator school was conducted during the period 8 Nov 66 to 12 Nov 66 to train new operators for the companies.  Of 28 personnel who attended 16 completed the instruction satisfactorily and were recommended to be assigned as radio operators.
  2. Equipment.  In preparation for BLT Rotation, LTI’s of Communication/Electronic equipment commenced on 14 Nov 1966.  With the exception of radio and telephone equipment deployed in the field all equipment was completed by 18 Nov 1966.  Third Marine Division message 221113Z Nov directed discontinuance of the LTI’s and no further action has been taken in this regard.

This page last corrected 25 August 2011