MACV Combat Experiences 5-69

This series of publications describing selected combat experiences in the Republic of Vietnam are part of a continuing program of information exchange among Allied Forces in Vietnam. This particular issue deals with experiences of Regional and Popular Forces RFPF. As part of its territorial security and pacification mission, the RFPF play an important role in the preemption of enemy preparations for major attacks. In preparing for battle, the enemy customarily uses reconnaissance parties and small groups who prepare food and ammunition caches and build or dig command posts, aid stations and similar installations. During the battle he employs couriers, aid men and ammunition and food resupply porters. During withdrawals he employs other small groups to link and support his major units. His dependence on these techniques of employment of individuals and small groups makes him vulnerable to a programmed coverage of the countryside by RF and PF units. MACV Combat Experiences 5-69 highlights a few problems of the RFPF, describes their great worth in the effort to curb aggression and hopefully will better prepare all recipients of this document to assist the RFPF in performing their extremely valuable functions.