I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
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DECLASSIFIED<br />
Effects of Monsoon<br />
Major R. D. KELLEY<br />
1. Rains will flood stream beds <strong>and</strong> creeks normally completely<br />
dry during the summer season. Flash flooding is frequent, even<br />
when rains are light in the area, if the headwaters are located<br />
in mountainous terrain.<br />
2. Weapons must be heavily oiled, ammunition carried in waterproof<br />
metal containers until last possible time. Mortar tubes<br />
should be capped in defensive positions. Ammo magazines must<br />
be frequently emptied, oiled, <strong>and</strong> ammo dried.<br />
3. Patrols should carry 50-100' lengths of rope to use as life<br />
lines in streams crossings. Also long bamboo poles can be used.<br />
First elements across stream must set up security to cover water<br />
crossing, personnel on near bank provide automatic <strong>and</strong> SA fires<br />
to men in water.<br />
4. Fighting positions must be erected above ground in many locations.<br />
Empty 60 <strong>and</strong> 81 mortar ammo boxes, 105 artillery shell<br />
casings <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard 7.62 metal ammo boxes can all be used for<br />
flooring. Care must be exercised that h<strong>and</strong> grenades, h<strong>and</strong> illumination<br />
flares, <strong>and</strong> individual rounds of small arms ammunition<br />
are not accidently lost in mud in <strong>and</strong> around fighting holes.<br />
Close supervision must be provided to LPs, OPs, <strong>and</strong> line defense<br />
positions to assure desired observation is available from shelters<br />
erected to provide protection from the weather.<br />
5. Dry socks are m<strong>and</strong>atory to prevent ttorsioh foot. When<br />
carried next to the body under outer clothing, they soon dry to<br />
a satisfactory degree.<br />
6. The erection of drying tents in platoon <strong>and</strong> company size<br />
patrol bases is an excellent accomodation when the tactical<br />
situation permits. Gasoline poured into buckets of s<strong>and</strong> put<br />
out ample heat when ignitedo However, supervision <strong>and</strong> vnnttLation<br />
are m<strong>and</strong>atory to preclude accidental burning of clotiiing<br />
<strong>and</strong> individuals.<br />
7. Company size patrol bases should contain some excess supplies<br />
of water, rations ammo, <strong>and</strong> medical supplies in the event weather<br />
hampers resupply/evacuation. In a static situation , 24 to forty<br />
eight hours excess is desired.<br />
8. For morale purposes 9 troop. ftMwe1d-be fed hot chow frequently.<br />
Also rotation to rear base areas for at least not showers increases<br />
fighting efficiency.<br />
DECLASSIFIED<br />
Enclosure (4)
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