Communications / Electronics – April 1969

 

Communications

During the month of April, the Communication Platoon continued to provide minimum essential communication services to the Administrative Sections of the rear elements encamped at Vandegrift Combat Base and Quang Tri, while tactical communications were provided for the Alpha and Bravo Command Groups during the Operation Purple Martin.  Operations in mountainous terrain has reaffirmed the requirement for thorough prior planning and close liaison within the Battalion.  Line of sight propagation characteristics of VHF equipment employed has necessitated the attachment of personnel to other Fire Support Bases to act as relay stations.  Reaction time and accuracy are slightly degraded when using this technique.

  1. Message Center
  2. The Battalion Message Center still maintains a forward shop that assures prompt distribution of message traffic to the staff sections.  They also provide shackle sheets and brevity codes for the radio operators.
  3. Radio
  4. The radio section continues its mission of maintaining communications with all elements through the use of radio relay at Hill 950 and Fire Support Base Neville.  Twenty-four nets are also maintained at Vandegrift Combat Base and in the rear at Quang Tri.
  5. The PRC-88 was introduced into field use this month.  It is still being tested and has not been phased in for permanent use.
  6. Covered Circuit
  7. The KY-38 and PRC-77 are being extensively used by this Command.  Many limitations are caused by our holding only one PRC-77 at this time.
  8. Wire
  9. The wire section is maintaining only one switchboard, in the Battalion Forward Area.  This section also is responsible for the electrical lines that are now in our area.
  10. Electronics Repair
  11. The electronics section continues to provide second echelon maintenance in the support of the Command and its attachments.
  12. A technician is with the forward elements of the command at all times to provide immediate repair when capable.
  13. Critical Shortages
  14. The following critical shortages of electronics repair parts is noted: A-9, A-10 and A-1 for the PRC-25.
  15. The UG-255’s for the RC-292’s are also critical.
  16. Equipment Deadlined and Repaired
  17. PRC-25 – 5
  18. TA-312 – 8
  19. TA-1 – 7
  20. EE-8 – 1
  21. H-189 –16

This page last corrected 4 September 2011