6 July 1965

From:          Commanding Officer

To:               Commanding Officer, 4^th Marines (rein)

Subj:            Lessons learned in combating Viet Cong (Chu Lai area)

Ref:     (a)            Your msg dtg 030540z (c)

1.         VC Identification.  Lack of a positive means of identification until an overt act is committed in a continuing difficult problem.

2.         VC Night Operations.  The dual mission of maintaining defense of the airfield and seeking and destroying VC inhibit night operations.  VC have the advantage of maximizing their night operations which results in little night contact except for probing of defenses..

3.         Detection of Hiding Holes, Spider Traps, Caves, and Tunnels.  VC camouflage is excellent for hiding holes and caches.  Marines are not yet well enough trained in detecting the excellent camouflage used by the VC.

4.         VC Tactics of Engagement.  VC fire only at long range on force of any size unless the odds are definitely in their favor or they are trapped.

5.         Helo Force Engagements.  VC wait until force to be helo lifted out of an area are at a minimum then engage by fire.

6.         Rapid Reaction Time Required.  VC had demonstrated he does not desire to stand and fight rather hit and run.  Upon any contact immediate reaction to his actions must be taken to achieve any kills.

7.         Secrecy of Operations.  Within our assigned operational area numerous agencies must be coordinated within any operation.  This reduces the probability of maintaining secrecy and achieving surprise.

8.         Language Barriers and Interpreters.  Marine units involved in village clearance operations are drastically hampered by a totally inadequate number of interpreters.  It is practically impossible to coordinate and cooperate with VN Forces during operation without interpreters.  Joint operations require an interpreter with each platoon.  Each Battalion requires a minimum of two full time interpreters.

9.         Positive, Continued Communications are a Must.  Environmental conditions, lack of rapid resupply of required power supplies and components in conjunction with a large usage factor have hampered communications to a high degree.  Extended distances between operating units while conducting operations in conjunction with less than desirable communications result in excessive delays in reacting to VC contacts.

10.       Environmental Effect on Marines.  Effectiveness of the individual Marine is considerably reduced by the tropical conditions of the operational area.  Thorough acclimatization is required for peak effectiveness.

This page last corrected 20 September 2011