0 - The Black Vault

THE BDM COP PORATION
forces was
The programmed and planned force structure of the GVN's military
used as a basic starting point in the redeployment planning
process. In essence, this required a detailed evaluation of RVNAF
w 4 ssion
capabilities projected for the fourth quarter of Cv 1972, For example, if
10 medium truck companies weee a programmed RVNAF furce requ~rement and
only eight comoanies werc in the force structure in the mid-fourth-quarter
of CY 1972, with the remaining two companies programmed to be formed and
operational sometime in 1973, then a US capability to provide for the
shortfall was retained in-country, 23/
In this manner a list of US forces
required i-, country to match the GVN shortfall was initially developed. A
mission analysis of all US •crces stationed in country was also undertaken
to identify those units which would be required to remain in country in
support of the US forces earmarked in the shortfall category.
The requirements for the US advisory element in contry, beyond
the fourth quarter of CY 1972, were also examined to determine what reductions
and reorganizations would be needed in that time frame. It was
envisioned that a small advisory team at the ARVN
division level would be
appropri ate.
A reinforced airmobile element was retained in country to provide
MACV with a US security force. Additionally the 196th Brigade was retained
in MR I to provide security for the substantial residual US air force
elemEnts that would be required to continue operating out of Da Nang air
base, While GVN forces were expected to assume increasing respori.ibility
for providing iocal security of residual US forces, it was felt not in the
best interest of tho US to be solely dependent upon them for security of
the command. Additionally, it was considered prudent to have quickly
available in country a small US force for emergencies or other unforeseen
cont•ngency situations.
A command and control structure for the residual forces was aisc
developed in order to determine what changes were necessary in the existing
levels of headquarters in the country, and wnen they should be undertaken.
After having ccoped the size and composition of the 60,000 man
force to remain in country beyond September of 1972, planning focused on
6-8