tfiS- REPOR T HAS kcEEN D-ELAI~

AND CLEARED FOR -PUBLI'C RELEASi

UNDER DOD DFIRECTITVE 5200.,20 ANDNb RESrRlCrrONS ARE IMPOSED UPON,ITS USE AND DISCLOSURE,

DISTRIBUTION, S'TATEMO4T A

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE3DZVSTRIBUTION UNLIMbtED,

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYOFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310

IN PLY REFR TO

AGAM-P (MX18 Apr 69) FOR OT UT 691182 22 April 1969

SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 58th Avia-tion Group (FFM) (PROV), Period Ending 31 January 1969

SEE DISTRIBUTION

i 1. Subject report is forwarded for review and evaluation in accordancewith paragraph 5b, AR 525-15. Evaluations and corrective actions shouldbe reported to ACSFOR OT UT, Operational Reports Branch, within '90 daysof receipt of covering letter.

2. Information contained in this report is provided to insure appropriatebenefits in the future from lessons learned during current operations and

P0 may be adapted for use in developing training material.

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY: -

1 Incl KENNETH G. WICK]HAM

as Major General, USAThe Adjutant General

DISTRIBUTION:Commanding Generals

US Continental Army CommandUS Army Combat Developments Command D D C

Commandants , .US Army War College 43

US Army Command aud General Staff College M 2 1969US Army Aviation SchoolUS Army Ordnance School U~ dU LLUS Army Signal School

US Army Southeastern Signal School CUS Army Transportation School

UNCLASSIFIED REPORT

Copies furnished: DISTRIMUTION NO FOREIGN WITHOUT APPROVAL OF

Office, Chief of Staff, US Army ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAF FOR FORCE DEVELOPMENT

Deputy Chiefs of Staff (ARMY) ATTN FOn OT ur. WASHINGTON, D.C. ZO031Chief of Research and Development,Assistant Chiefs of Staff

ft- - - --------------- --.---

DEPitRTHENr OF THE ARMYHD9QUISITERS 58th AVIATION GROUP (FFM) (PROV)

4eO San Francisco 96384

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)

SEE DISTRIB3UTION

1. Section 1, 0perations: Significant Activities.

a. Command.

(1) Colonel James G. McFadden, Infantry, assumed command of the58th Aviation Group (FFM)(PROV) on 12 November 1968 from Colonel CharlesC. Walts, Artillery. Current staff members are indicated in -Inclosure 1.

The Group (PROV) organization is at Inclosure 2.

(2) Continued increased operations involving Army aviation and avi-ation of other US Forces in Vietnam have resulted in a substantial in-crease in Air Traffic Control (ATC) activities at Army airfields. Therewere 2,102,934 recorded operations at 36 Army-controlled airfields. Like-wise, the Army Flight Following System averaged 6,010 flights per day fora total of 553,012 for the reporting period.

(3) Air traffic control was provided by four Tactical Air TrafficControl Teams (TATCT) at forward airstrips in support of tactical oper-ations for 92 days during the reporting period. The reaction time forthese teams was outstanding, in that all were on site and operationalwithin 24 hours after receipt of mission. The airstrips are Song Be,Dong Xoai, Tonle Chain and Camp Evans.

(4) During the reporting period ground commanders displayed a con-siderable increase in interest in air traffic control and safety on andaround Army airfields in Vietnam. This is a direct result of an educ-ational program of briefings and command emphasis at all levels.

(5) The Joint Air Operations Group (JAOG) organized during the lastreporting period, refined and expanded its activities appreciably duringthis period. The purpose of the JAOG is to define problem areas in terms

IncloBure 1 1

-- ,,--

AV&4L-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT. Operational Report of ffecdquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (Rl)

of responsibility, priority, influence action to solve the problems with-F in JAOG capabilities, and to present through comnmnd channels to MACV

those problems that are not within the capabilities of the sponsoringservices. The 58th Avn Gp is playing e major prt in JAOG functions.Areas presently being studied are Air Traffic Control, Artillery Warning,and NOTAMS. Thesu studies were to be conducted by three separate joint(Army and- Air Force) working groups. The major problems addressed ineach study during this period are as follows:

(a YAir Traffic Control.

1. Problem: Iack-of awareness on the part of both tactical comman-ders-and aviators of the comlexity of air traffic control as it appliesto joint. use airfields in Vietnam.

Action Taken: An educ-tion. l program has been established toincrease command emphnsis on air traffic control at all levels. A con-tinuous series of formal briefings nre directed toward all aviation andground unit commanders, individual aviators and key staff officers. The-briefing team travels throughout Vietnam as well as to appropriate AirForce units out 6f country.

2.. Problem: Responsibilities for airfield operations are scattered

throughout several different directives.

Action Taken: i proposed directive to replace one presently inexistence (MACV 95-9) was submitted to MCV, where it is now being staffed.The new directive addressed joint oporations at forward airstrips. Ifapproved, a single document dctailing all the responsibilities of airfieldcommanders and coordinators will be available.

* 3. Problem: Inadequate cbordination between 58th Avn Gp (Arnmy)and the 834th ir Division (Air Force).

Action Taken: Positive coordination has been establishod throughthe. exchange of liaison officers between the respective headquarters, ona part time or on-call basis.

(b) Artillery Warning:.

1; Problem: Lack of uniformity and reliability in the artillerywarning system for Vietnam. The artillery warb~ing, system requires im-provements, many of which are beyond the current ccpabilities of USARV.

% \2

AVDI.FFC 15 Febniary i969.SUBMT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (M)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 Jonuaz 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)

One of the chief problem8 encountered is that no personnel spaces areauthorized for artillery warning functions of either the ArmW or the AirForce.

2. Action Taken:

a. A standard system of providing artillery warning is being devel-oped, to include standardized voice procedures from p)ilot to AWCC.

b. Action is being taken to consolidate smaller artillery warningareas and establish definite AJWCC boundaries to decrease communicationsrequirement for aircraft overflying several warning areas.

c. Artillery warning frequencies Pre being declassified and placedon area maps for each corp in the 58th Avn Gp 1iTC Frequency Publication.

d.- Recommendations for the establishmant of an artillery w'mirngagency at MACV level, and necess,!ry revisions to MCV Directive 95-13have been submitted to MCV.

(c) NOTIMS:

1. Problem: Inadequate coverage of the Army NOUAH system, partic-ularly in reaching forward airstrips.

2. Action Taken: The 58th tvn Op has proposed a commnictions planthat will support an AMW NOTaIM/eather system. The proposed system willprovide contact with Army eviction groups, bttalions, and airfield sup-port detachments, as well as provide a direct transfer of information.with SEANC. This proposal is presently being staffed at 1st AviationBrigade.

(6) On 12 December 1968, a comanders' conference was conducted bythe group headquartors at Long Binh. The group commander outlined hisconcept of the 58th Avn Gp's mission in Vietnam and each staff officerpresented a short briefing on his particular area of interest. In addit-ion, a representative of the USIRV Staff Judge Advocate and one of the1st Aviation Brigade Surgeons gave short telks on the legal and medicalaspect of the use of marijuana and other drugs, which has been cause forincreasing concern. Comanders of all units of the group were presentat the conference.

3

=

15 Vcbruary 19697-iP:A-:: Oj rtio-,l- iort ci" Ucdqrart.6r, 534 Avi ticn Oroup (tFf)(PROI) for rtrioa Eixltnr, 31 Jrirasy 1.969, RU (WFO"5 (Al)

(7) Representatives from this headquarters attended an ATC confer-

encen Pangkokl, Thailand, 2-8 December 1968. The conference was hostedby t l 19?4th CownicationsGroup, US Air Force. The 58th Avn Op, re-preseti USARV, presented a bri.efiqq on the Ax y ATO system in Vietnm.

b.- Sl (Personnel).

(1) losses and gains maintained an operational balance during thisquarter. Authorized and assigned personnel strengths as of 31 January1969 -are:

-Authorized, AssignedOff 80 Off 71We 16 WO 10P4 117 EK 1285

(2) Morale: Excellent (6 month extensions, Nov-28, Dec-46, Jan-34).

(a) Discipline: 3 Court-lartials and U Article 15's.

(b) Reenlistments:

* Month Eligible Re TJps Re UpsNov 24 3 13Dec 14 5 35Jan 28 2 7

(c) Mail: No problem areas.

(3) Awards and decorations: See Inclosure 3.

c6 S2 (Intelligence).

(1) The following are statistics pertaining to personnel securityfor thz reported period.

(a) Clearances granted - 4 Confidential and 36 Secret.

(b) Clearances-validated - 44 Secret and 29 Top Secret.

(2) Total personnel security administrative actions - 113.

4

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FF)"(PROV) for Period Ending 31 Japunry 1969, RCS- CSFOR-65 (rl)

d. S3 (Operations).

(1) Tactical Air Traffic Control Teems (TATCT) were deployed to sup-port combat operations on four occasions. Three GCA sections of TATOT'swere deployed to support USLRV test and research programs (see Inclosure6).

(2) Current status of project Commando Indian, collocation of--USArmy Flight Following Facilities with US Air Force idr Traffic RegulationCenters, is as follows:

(a) Pleiku - completed and operational.

(b) Dong Ha - completed -nd operational.

(c) Binh Thuy - completed and operational.

(d) Ban Me Thuot - completed and operational.

(e) Saigon - completed and operational.

(f) Danang - compl-ited and operational.

(g) Hon Tre Island - delayed pending completion of facility.(3) The 359th Aviation Support Detachment (itSD) was moved from Phuoc

Vinh to Camp Evans. Closure date at Cpmp Evans was. 18 January 1969. Nomajor difficulties wore encountered.

(4) The 366th Aviation Support Detachment (ASD) was moved from DakTo II to Oasis (ZAllO280), closing on 27 January 1969. The GCA sectionof the 366th ASD was concurrently reassigned to the 360th ASD at HenselAAF to support 4th Infantry Division bnse airfield. The major difficultyencountered in the move was damage to the detachment TSQ-70A (controltower), which was sling loaded from Dak To to Oisis.

(5) The 58th Avi-tion Group SOP has been completed and is beingpusblished ,nd distri ,uted to all subordin,te units.

5

AVB-FF-C 15 February 1969-SUBJECT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th AviVtion Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (R1)

e. S3 (Training).

(1) After relocating from Vung Tau to Long Thanh, the first class ofthe GCA school commenced on 9 Novmber 1968. The POI for the course con-sists of 42 hours of classroom instruction and 191 hours of practical work.-The 365th ASD, Long Thanh AAF., has been tasked with organizing and oper-

ating the School. The detachment has been augmented with personnel andequipment from other 58th Avn Gp resources.

(2) Increased emphasis has been placed on specialized and mandatoryindividual training. Group Training Circular 350-1 was published anddistributed in January 1969. Major areas covered in this circular arereplacement, mandatory, and air traffic controller training.

(3) Facility rating guides for tower, GCA and approach control per-sonnel have been published and distributed to all units. Use of theseguides will standnrdize and expedite roting of controllers at their re-spective facilities, as well ns provide for uniform quality control ofcontroller performance.

(4) As another quality control measure, a 100 question, open bookexamination will be distributed every six months by the 58th Aivn Gp toall air traffic controllers. Tests will be graded by the S3 and resultsforw.-rded to the individual's commanding officer.

(5) Individual training record forms for recording the accomplishmentof mand.tory training have been distributed to all units. A master train-ine schedule was also distributed and subordinate units will forward theirmaster and weekly training schedules to this headquarters.

(6) Lesson plans are being prep)red for use by all ATC facilitychiefs to assist, improve and upgrade training.

f. S4 (Logistics).

-(1) Equipment and supplies are being received through normal supply'channels at an improved rate.

'(2) -Special US~ijV authorization has been obtained to maintain thefollowing items as maintonance flont:

(a) 35 ea 18,900 f3TU/60 cycle air conditioners (on hand).

6

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969,SUBJECT: Oprational Report of Headquarters 58th Avfrtioi (Iroup (JM)

* ~~~~(PROV) for Period Ending 31 Janu,?ry 99 C So-5(

(b 36 a 6,.000 B1T/00 cycle air conditioners (on band),

(c 12 ea 18,000 B3TUAOO cycle air conditioners (programmed). -

(3) Aircraft status:

Iy~e Authorized Required on Hand

u-6A 11

U5-21& 2 2 0UH-1D111

g. Flight Check.

(1) The Flight Check Section service evaluation program of controllers-and facilities continues tc be hampered by the lack of circraft. Toppriority demands on group aircraft include supi~ort the (ICA school, move- -

ment of critical ripair parts and maintenance personnel for on-site as-sistance, and conduct command visits, in addition to flig~ht inspectionand service evaluction of facilities. Frequently, U-21 aircraft are 6made available to the group. Service evaluation is habitually, Given toppriority but insofar as possible other requiremants are combined. Al-though cverm1l effectiveness is fiproved through this practice, it in-evitably degrades the efficiency and effectiveness of the flight inspect-icn/servico evaluation component of the combined mission.

(2) The USJARV requirement of quarterly service evaluation of eachATC facility is not being met. A group staff analysis has determinedthat a'flight hour program of 1350 hours per year (U-21) is r~aquired toevaluate facilities on a quarterly basis, develop nv instrument pro-cedures, and train personnel for IFR facility ratings. Translated, thisindicates that the two U-2lts outhorized this group under its new TORwill, if used for no other purpose prcvide only a marginal capabilityto discharo the key group missions in the flight check area.

h. Safety. None.

i. Signal ( eommunications).

(1) There continues to be a critical shortage of avionics coiuanic-aticn equipment repAirirn (MOS 35L) capable of providing on-site, direct

7

A AVD-fl'C 15 February 1969'* ~ U3*Cr:- Opertidnal Report of &Oaquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

*(PROV) 'for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RGS CSFOR-65 (Rl)C -

*support maintenance cn the liN/FSQ-75 tower equipmnent. Replacement per-so1a tkainqd--on _the.AN/F5Q-75 are scheduled to arrive from Fort Gordon,

oorgia diwing March 1969. This win help alleviate thv problem@ ToAnsure -the continuance of an adequate en-site maintenance progr:'m duringthis critical ppriod It was necessary to cross-train individuals withrelated -or similar type MOS backgrounds. Based upon personnel records,pir civilian and military electronics oxperience,, and demonstrated on-

te Job performa, thirteen 26D repairman, and one 32C (fixed stationrepaimn) were selected foi- cross-training. The Group Signal Section,cp dutd the course with FAA civilian contract personnel providingbacu su-vioytechnical assistance. The cross-trnining course

cws omPletely-successful and prevides a scund basis for further courses

(21 As a result of AN/FSQ-75 cross-training course, incoming avionicsMaintenande repairmen will -attend a group orientation ,nd maintenancecourse-of instruction prior to assignment to an ASD. The course, to beconkdcted:byr the Group-'Signal Section, will include:

(adSops of on-site mointenance responsibility.

IV) Suply-(PLL) and~maintenance records procedures.

(c Y Briefing on the availability and location'of back-up maintenancesupport aslsist .nce.

(d) Supervised- OJT procedures for trouble shcoting and maintenance

of. equpk~ t

.(e) Proper proce'dures for the use and maintenance of test equipmient.

(3) -In. ovember, the group was delegated the responsibility of dis-seminating NOTtIJM infbrmation to Army airfields throughout Vietnam. TheAi4r F&o -NOTAM system presently in use in Vietnam servi ces a limitednumber of fd with Air Force n rytrandlc. Staff studies an

administrative andlogistical traffic concluded that a systom could be

#mplmented ,prim.,rilyby u4sing, existing teletype systems. The 1st Avn-de teletyp -te -configuration is wefl suited for the ln ieprtion of th~eNOTAM/system. Existing COMMOEN would be the nuclei servicingnew1lr propoied unit subscribers. This ccneept~ was developed in conjuncwtionf with th3 :Signal Section, 1st AVn Bde and is now being staffed within-tho-brigade headquarters. This system will be capable of passing NCYTAMtype traffid to'al-l.ISD's of the group as well as divisions and othermajor aviation operaitors with a minimum delay in handling time.

kVBt&-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT:. Operati-nal Report cf Headquarters 58th- Aviation Group (W14)

(PROV) fcr Pericd Lnding 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 G)

(4) A voice HF SSB net is the primary media for administrative andlogistical traffic between units of this group. The present equixientccnfiguration does not include a phone patching capability. Operatorstre required to transcribe, in long hand, the voluminous traffic beingdisseminated via this net. Thirty six stations are required to enterthe net three times daily on a time phase basis. Average monthly part-icipetion for all stnticns is better than 90%. This system--is unsatis-factory as a group commnd/administrative net. Accordingly,. it is ex-pected that the NOT'11 net will also serve as the group command net forhigh priority traffic.

(5) A PLL on all major items of tower and radar equipment has beenccmpiled and distributed to all subordinate units. Units authorized theFSQ-75 type equipment will continue to requisition FSQ-75 peculiar itemsof equipment fron the 125th t.TC Company until such time as the 34th GeneralSupport Group can assume it's full responsibility for managing the supplyand distribution of these parts. All other items contained in the resect-ive PLL's will be acquired through normal ISU channels.

(6) To insure continuL.us operation of air traffic control radios,a program has been initiated to provide a minimum of cne back up radiofor each type radio series provided with the d/f/TSQ-70 AN/TSQ-71 and AN/TSQ-72 equipment. Unnecessary equipment outage time has resulted whenunits were unable'to readily exchange their deadlined components. Longdelays are still being experienced in the repair of avionics VHF radios.

(7) During the period of this report, the Signal Section assumedcentralized control of all frequencies assigned to units of the Group.Direct coordination between the Sigvnal Section end appropriate frequencycontrol officers his roduced frequency handling time by at least twoweeks. A routine frequency request cpn now be processed and alloctedwithin 24 hours of the initial request.

(8) The most notable progress over the past three months is reflectedby the hig:h 7vailability rate of ground control approach radars. This isa direct result of the program initiated during the previous reportingperiod. On-site PLL was established for the GCA equipment and all unitsare now receiving ptrts through nermal DSU channels. In December, theITT Gilfillan civilian contract personnel were assigned to key geograph-ical locations in order to facilitiate quicker reaction to radar mainten-ance problems. The OJT program conducted by civilian contract personnelhas been beneficial in establishing higher standards of maintenance repair.

9

,U^ -iCr Orcc 15 February 19

'40nslR-10f 0' Ha (uat-.-s58th Aviation- Group (FF14)(P~iU) ,i.or ±P rl~~i ~n 31 Jaru ry 1969, RCS JC5MR-65 (21)tfie 32t General Support Group has terminated its radar maintenance schoolat 'V.uz Tau as a result of the inczeased, pro-0i1ceiiby of on-site mainten-atce personniel* 'Rdars deadlined for major components show an averagemonthly outage ti*e of three days. This is a substantial improvementovbe- the, three to four week outage time experienced prior to 15 Augustl9(i Uistable generator power and the inability to move major compon-ent items of equipment to and from DS maintenance shops continue to bethe primary factors causing a lower than desired radar availability rate.

(9) All radar installtions have been issued sufficient test equip-ment, t6 aintain the OCA equipment. Non-availability of test equipmentduring the previous reporting period contributed to the lack of satisfac-tory m'ste maintenance. Test equipment was found in depot storage areasas, a resu t, of searches by GCA personnel and action was initiated for itsditributiOn.

(10) Avionics< equipment outage reporting has improved substantiallyover the past thirty days, Deadline reports are required within 30 min-utes of the initial outage. Technical assistance teams are availableupon request. Minimum outage time is considered a priority area of in-terest within the group.

(U1) The navigational bencon AN/TRN-25 continues to remain inadequntefor sustained .use i#,- Vitnam, Two recent modifications made on the trans-mi tr en ,plifLr uni',a have not appreciably reduced the operatihg timebetween equipment failures.

J. eadquarters-Commandant. None.

I., Section 2 lessons Learned: Commanders Observations, Evaluations andeco_mendations,

a E, SI (Personnel). Non .

b. S3 (Operations).

(-1) Tactical Air Traffic Control.

(a) OBSE2VA ION. There is an urgent need for a simple, lightweight,rapidly deployable (within one hour) air tr.ffic control team with equip-ment to support forward air strips and staging areas.

io

2 -,>, >>, • I

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FM)M

(PROV) for Period Ending'31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)

(b) EVALUATION. The 58th Avn Gp is required to furnish seven Tacti-cal Air Traffic Control Teams (TATCT) in support of combat operations atforward airstrips and helicopter staging areas. Present air traffic con-trol equipment requires C-123 or C-130 aircraft for movement. Due toother mission requirements on the Air Force aircraft, TATCT deploymentshave been delayed from six to twelve hours, There is-a need for equip-ment that can be moved by Army aircraft and be operational at the timeit is unloaded. Experience has shown that aircraft traffic at forwardstrips is heaviest during the initial phase of an operation, and anydelay in TATCT deployment is criticali A 1/4 ton vehicle with radioswounted such as the MRC-108 (FSN-5820-87i-9473-2R) would meet the re-quirement of the initial phase of an operation until an AN/TSQ-70A canbe deployed to the site.

(c) RECOMMENDATION. That four MRC-1081S, with one each UHF, VHF, FM

and HF radios mounted on a 1/4 ton truck be made available for assign-ment to TATCT's.

(d) COMMAND ACTION. The group has submitted a request for temporaryloan of equipment and will submit a MTO&E change when the present'MTO&Esubmission is returned.

(2) GCA Requirements.

(a) OBSERVATION. A complete weather and aircraft traffic analysisof Army airfields has revealed a need for realignment of GCA assets inVietnam and a reduction in the number of GCA's currently authorized thegroup.

(b) EVALUATION. It has become evident from both weather patterns andoperational experience that the current requirement for GCA support isoverstated, particularly in light of the transportability of the Army GCAequipment. As a result of an analysis by the group headquarters, theoperational GCA requirements are conceived zo fall in three basic cate-gories.

1. Permanent. For those locations which have operationally demon-

strated the need for and/or have normal weather patterns of sufficientintensity to warrant the year-round provision of a precision approach.These are met by permanently assigned GCA sections.

11

JAVB-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: Operationail Report .cf Hupdquarters 58th tAyiaticn Group (FFM4)

(kROV) fcr- Period&Ending; 31 Januo'ry 1969, ROs csFoa-65 (RI)

2'i Seasonal. For these locations which have substantial periods

will be met on a -planned-and scheduleld basis by movement of ASD and/or.TATCT. OCA sections.

3. Contingency. For requirements in support of specific operationsojr .aliilds. experiencing major variptions in weather pettervs or intensity.T1*aie requirements will normlly be met by TATO team GOA sections.

(c) RECOMNDATION. That equipment requirements be reduced to atotal of.214 Cad (including 4 float) and that they be employed in accord-'ance with a flexible plan using the above concept of operational re-qukirements.*

Md CQ9UND ACTION*. A (ICA requirements and employment plan wasforwrded to USV on 7 February, 1969 for opprova1.

(3) Movement of OCA equipment.

.()OBSMRVITION. Increased maintenance problems and duiwntimeo of AN/TSQ-71 an~d 72 66A aquipmwnt consistently occurs following overland move-mqnt by wheeled vehicles.

()EVALUATION-. -the AN/TPN-18 shelter and 11T Group are not shockmounted and many internal components are damaged or rendered inoperativefrom suarf ace moves. This results in many hours of trouble shooting andreplacemont and/or repair of damaged parts after the equipment arrivesat its new oction. Downtime following such m is invariablyceoaiv for upn three weeks after the equipment has been emplaced.

() b REcM apAInN. That all mevement of A/TSQ-7's and 72s be byXairlift to the maximtm sxtent possible.

.(a) COMMAND-ACTION. This headquarters has ceased all ground movementof O(3 equipment.o

'C. S3 '(Training). Nons

d. S2 (Intelligence). None

12

a°

AVM.:FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: Opo.rationnl Report of ieadquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-6 (LI).

a. S4 (Logistics).

(1) DSU Suplort.

(a) OBSERVATION. Most DSU's and 06U's in RVN are unable to teat orrepair 00O cycle air conditioners or power convertors.

(b) EVALUATION. Virtually all 4o cycle air conditioners and powerconvertors are evacuated to PA&E in Saigon (Rice Mill) or to COUS. Ex-cessive down time has been experienced for TSQ-71's and 72's as a result.

(c) RECOMMENDATION. That DSU's and (SU's take action to obtain thenecessary repair parts and test equipment to support all items upon re-ceipt of equipment density lists.

(d) CCMWND ACTION. The authorization to establish stock maintonanrbfloat generators has been obtained frem US1ARV. Total authorizations of 4818,O00 BTU/60 cycle and 6,000 RTU/00 cycle nre now on hand and direct ex-change action is in progress. Delivery of 18,000 BTU/OO cycle sets isprogrammed prior to 31 March 1969.

(2) Generator Authorization.

(a) OBSERVATION. Instruction Monual 11-5895-579-15, with Addendum#1 dated May 1968, lists the PEJ-619 generator set as a component of theAN/ SQ-70A. ECOM has informed USARV that this is no longer applicableand that separate TOE/MrOE authorization is required for replacement gen-erators.

(b) EVALUATION. Upon salvage or retrograde of onri of the two 10bgenerators that consititute the ?U-619 setUSARV will not recognize arequisition for a replacement.

(c) RECOMMENDATION. That the units of tho grcup be authorized thePU-619 in subsequent MTCE's. Basis of Issue (BOI) should be one set perTSQ-7OA.

(d) CCa4AND ACTION. A letter will be forwarded to US RV requestinga special letter of authorization pending submission and approval of MTOE s.

(3) Airfield Lighting Equipment.

(a) OBSERVATION. All ASD's have an inadequate supply of airfieldlighting eqiipment at the present time.

13

(

VB&.FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT: -Opcrntional Report cf H6adquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)

(b) EVLUATION. "All teams are authorized both the Light Set Emer-gency Marker (LIN L6131), and the Light Set Operation.l Area (LIN I64542).The. "B" teams are authorized neither of these sets. USARV unclassifiedmessage AVHGD-SP 80922, Subject: Tactical Airfield Lighting, dated 24November 1968, requested that USAICCV take action to procure 72 sets ofboth the Light Set Operational (LIN L64405) and Light Set Area (LIN,U59031) to supplement current authorizations. Basis of issue is two ofeach type lighting set per ASD and the An Khe Army Airfield Command.Sufficient airfield lighting equipment is included in the proposed 125thAir Traffic -Company HTOE for their TATC Teams.

(c) RECOMNDATIONS. If USAICCV requisition advice status indicatesan estimated delivery date beyond 1 April 1969, that DA action be takento obtain such sets from CONUS resources for immediate shipment to RVN.

(d) COMH4MD ACTION. Being taken by USAiRV as indicated above.

f. S3 (Oiranization). None.

g. SI (Information). None.

h. Flight Check.

(1) 'Flight Publications.

:!"(a) "OBSERVATION. Many Army aiiators in Vietnam are not using andare not fnmiliar with the Department of Defense Flight Information Pub-

lications (FLI) available for use in Vietnam.

(b) EVALUATION. The Tactical Aerodrome Directory (TAD) has detailedinformation on airfield end heliport locations, frequencies, diagrams,hazards, refueling services, navigational aids, special routing instruct-iors; notices and flidht following procedures. The primary reason theTAD is n6t used more is that airfields and heliports are not listed inalphabetical sequence, but in accordance with a numbering system prefixedby, the code letters "VA". This is not only an inconvenience requiringexcessive dttention inside the cockpit, but is contrary to normal FLIPformat. The VA numbering system is useful (if at all) only to planners,cannot be remembered by pilots and is illogical. The current 58th AvnOp frequency publication, which duplicates most TO] information, couldbe reduced if th e TAD were revised to suit the needs of the pilots, whoare the primary users.

14

2 be,. = reduced if-.,""-==--. . .. ., T wer r..sd .o.ui.te.e. s .f.hepiot,.h

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJT: .Oprational lieprt of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FEW)

(t1ROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RM( CSFOR-65 (iii)

(c) HCOMMENMM-TION. That the Tactical Aorodraue Directory listingsequence be converted from the "VA" numberin, system to an alphabeticalbasis.

(d) CCMWD ACTION.

1. A DF, this headquarters, dated 19 Septomber 1968, Subjects Reco-mmended Changes to TAID", was submitted to USIRV as a basis for input toMACV. tn information copy was sent to CO, 1SMID.

2. Follrw-up coordination was made during a staff visit by the Com-manding Officer, USAFID in December 1968.

3. Letter dated 30 Jonuary 1969, Subject: "Reconuended Changes toDOD FLIP Tactical Aerodrome Directory", HQ 58th Avn Op was forwardedthrough channels to USIAID, requesting alphabetical listings.

(2) Training of GCA Air Traffic Controllers (MOS 93J).

(a) OBSERVATION. Nwly trained Ground Controlled Approach (GCA)controllers (MOS 93J) do not have an understanding cf safe sector alti-tude criteria, instrument approach obstruction criteria, flight inspect-'ion procedures and facility data required to establish and commission aGCA facility.

(b) EVAUATION. Numerous flight evaluations during the last yearhave revealed that controllers consistently experience difficulty achiev-ing a'facility rating in Vietnam. Inclosures 4 and 5 are typical of radarprocedure/safe sector altitude charts which controllers must know andunderstand prior to being rated.

(c) RECONMENDTIONS. The POI of the GCA training should includesufficient instruction in subjects cited above to insure that ccntrollerscomprehend the significance of these subjects, which are directly relatedto flight safety. If noccssary, the POI should be lengthened.

(d) COMAUND ACTION.

1. On the situ training and debriefing normally Tollowing flightservice evaluations emphasize the subjects cited above.

15

15 February 1969SUBJECT.: Oper.atiofial Report of iea qurters 58th Avi,-tion (boup (FFM)

(FROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR45 (R1)

2. The in country refresher OCA school incorporates these jubjectsin Ats P0i and will include a briefing on flight inspection proceduresby a USAF Flight Inspector.

(3) Facility Rating of GCA Controllers.

(a) OBSEaRWTION. After service school training, GCjL controllers mustundergo on site OJT to achieve a facility rating. fin excessive period oftime is frequently required to complete- this training.

(b) EVAUAT-ION. Aviation units provide very little support in makingpractice GCA approaches. Some sites have averaged less than 50 GCA's permonth although equipment was operational. The overall average of 145 C A'sper month is insufficient to achieve facility ratings and keep rated per-S6mel proficient. During December 1968, less than two percent of thelandings, at airfields having radar, were GCA approaches, During themonsoon season Uhe USAF is the major user of Army GC equipment. Sincea majority of Army aviators are not required to maintain instrument ratings,few actively practice their instrument flying. Student GCA controllersare receiving student helicopter traffic at Fort Rucker, but have not

received ary -high speed traffic such as C-130 type circrnft, with whichmany c ntrollers experience difficulty. Further, tha student pilottrainingdoes not provide a moans for student controller debriefing andccuracy of radar alinnment is not evaluated. Finally most of the practice

GCA approaches at-Ft Rucker are flown by trainee instrument pilots, whoseprbficioncy is of a low order,. substantially reducing the value of thetrainin.ng for the student GC controller.

( ) RECONM1NDATIQ!S•

1. Require all aviators in flying positions to maintain their tactical-or standard instrument ratings in assigned aircraft. There are adequate

qCA and NDB approach facilities throughout RVN to renew instrument ratings,1AWAR95 -6%3o

,2-. Require each of the aircraft assigned at an airfield to make oneGCA approach per day upon completion of the day's mission.

S . Provide T-42 traffic to GCA training sites 6t, Ft Rucker to improvecontroller techniques and proficiency.

16

AVBA-FF-C 15 February 1969SUBJECT:- Operational iport of headquarters 58th Aviation Group' (Fill)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, ACS CSFOA-65 (RI)-

(d) CM IMD ACTIO4. This headquarters has:

1. Written command letters soliciting practice GCA approaches fromcertain aviation units.

2. Required assigned pilots to make practice GCA approaches on allflights to GCA locations.

3. Develop a plan to deploy GCA equiprent and controllers on aseasonal basis to better provide service while decreasing the total num-ber of controllers to be trained.

i. Signal (Ccmunications).

(1) Avionics Navigational Repairmen.

(a) OBSERVATION. School trained Avionics Navigational EquipmentRepiirmen (35M) are arriving in country with no practical experience onthe repair andmaintenance of ground type navigational beacons.

(b) EVALUATION. Accomplishment of required daily maintenance on theSN/GRN-6 and the AN/TRM-25 navigational beacon continues to be a problem.

On site maintenance personnel have received individual instruction onthe daily alignment procedures required to maintain the equipment at max-imum efficiency. However, they appear to lack the fundamental knowledgerequired to trouble shoot and isolate probable causes for equipment out-age. Personnel providing on-site back up support are often required toperf6rm equipment maintenance well -within the capability of the avionicsrepairman.

(c) HECOMMENDATIONS. The 35M MOS course, conducted at Fort Gordon,Georgia, should include a specific block of instruction covering groundnavigational beacons used in Vietnom. The block of instruction shouldinclude as a minimum physical alignment of the system, antenna installation,preventive maintenance and trouble shooting procedures.

(d) CAMAND ACTION. Avionics navigntional repairman receive addit-ional training at a local avionics maintenance repair shop on the radiospeculiar to the AN/TSQ-70. Prior to ASD assignment, the repairman is in-structed on the alignment and preventive maintenance procedures for groundnavigational beacons by an ECOM representative. The unit commanders arealso made aware of unsatisfactory and potential problem areas resultingfrom poor preventive maintenance procedures and inadequate supervision.

17

W2

AVM4.F4.. 15 Fcbranry 1969soBET Oprto? - e)drt ot -edquarters 58th Aviation- Grou (FWr)

(?RO for ,Period Ending 31 January 1969, 11CS CSFoR-65 (i-)

(2)Replacement A1vionics Maintenance Personnel.

(4), OEVITION. Replacement -avionics maintenance personnel areniot pro.,rnmm d to-irrive incountry with sufcin verlap time toinsure continuity of maintenance (:n the more sophistica-tted electronicequAi,1Ment such as the IIN/FPSQ-7,5.

(b) IALULT.IN. Personnel beins' assigned directly from the avionicsrepai cous At ~ort -Gordon, Georgia require -an initial period of OJT to6rvide DS anidlimited. GS on-site maintenance c-n the KA/SQ-75. They mustAlso , e familiar with local procedures for requisitionine, and maintaining

top authoriied PLL.

1(b)" REC OMMEND1TION.-. i~eplacu.ments should have at lenst .a two week-oerla p jforod, prog-rammed to insure continuity-of maintenance on sie

(d) OMMND CTIN. roup, persc~inel requisitions will take cognizanceo, 'the bboV'e requirements 'for the 'OS Is conce;rned.

j.Safet.

(l): 'Oi-rational Haz.'r Rep;orts (ORR).

(a) O6BSERVATiON. Operational hazard reports relevant to airfield6oerntions dcntiniue t6, be. received f or the most -part only from USAF pilots.I

(b) EVALATION. The majority of these OHR's. concern ccntrol -ofq3hd0 anid pedstin traffic and helicopter operati.on in proximity to

fixed w~ing t'raffic. In the case of iVehicul:hr and pedestrian traffic,lbcal' nationl (LN) personnel are involved almost exclusively. Signsinstalled, to facilitAe 6ontrol- are scon removed and light signals from-airfid .control' towers pre.-ignored. Helicopters Iopteratinq in the vicinityoqf fixed wing :aircraft ,constitute a hazard when they fail to make radiocontact',with, the -control tower. Helicopter -operations have improved some-whdt since instituting a vigorous pr'ogram of educaticn and submission of

report6 of air traffic violations.

-(c)- UECOMI8NUIT ION.

1. That unit -civil affairs personnel initiate an bducat~ion programto inform the local, populace of the hazards encountered' in the vicinityof aircraft opvrating areas, and roquira-munt to observe waning signsand, siEgals .

18.

/

AVBI-FF-C 35 ebruary 1969SUJ ECT: Operational ieport of H-adquarters 58th Avistion--rup (ON)

(P'iOV) for 1period Zndiiag 31 January 1969, BacFOiZt.65 MYi

2. Commanders reemphasize the hazards associated with operatinghelicopteirs near fixed winc aircraft and the requirement to Use radios'when in controlled areas.

(d) ACTION.

1. Airfield commanders will continue to visit and educate avintionunit; in identifying and eliminating these hazards.

2. A standard warning sign is being devoloped, printed in Vietnameseand !nlish, to be placed on airfields where p~rsonnal -ind vehiclelpresent hazards to air traffic control. A stock of these will b *stab-lished and controlled by the group.

. The group coumandea- and staff regularly visit-units and WIrfeldswhere real or potential hazards exist in order to influence and assistin eliminating the hazard.

k. Headquarters Coandannt. None.

1. Activities of the last three months have been characterized over-all by refinement of organization and prooedvresp marking this a tran-sitional period* Major improvements are evident in the reduction ofdowntime on mission essential ATO systems. Air traffic- controller per-formance has been upgrnded somewhat in airfield local control functions,bt WGA controller performance remains wholly unsatisfactory on balance.Further improvement is also required in the approach control functionsat the four airfields where the group currently hat this responsibility.Actions taken during the reportiM period are expected to result in asubstantial correction of these shortcomings in the next quarter.

;nel- JAN5S Go.M6 B00- COL, INas Comanding?. 1.66h Sig Co ORE!.-Incl I - 7 wd Hq DADISTRIBUTIONsCG, USARPAC, ATTN: 0AOP-DTCO, USARV, ATTN: AVHOC-DSTCO, lst Avn Bde, ATTN: AVBA-C

19

LF

AVBAGC-O (15 Feb 69) 1st InaSUB ECT: pemtional Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (MPI)

(PR0!) for Period EWing 31 January.1969, BCS CSFOI-65 i4)

DA, 1HFADUAMMS, IST AVLATION BRIGADE, APO 96384 *?F.' 6

THRU: Comfading General, United States Anim Vietnas, A.TIM AVYC-DST,APO 96575Commaer-in-Chief, United States Arzq Pacific, ATTH: GPC-MT,APO 96558

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Depertment of theAnn, Washington, D.C., 20310

This headquarters has reviewed this report, considers it to be adequate,and concurs with the contents except for the following:

Par=aTaph 2h(3)(c) 1 and 2, Ptge 16: llonconcur. A message vas dispatchedto all subordinate units on 29 Ilovember 1968 requiring all aviators, when timeand mission permits, to request a GCA approach prior to flight termination.All aviators in flying positions are encouraged to mintain their tactical orstandard instrument rating. Implementation of a requirement to accomplish oneapproach prior to termination is not feasible due to the resultant increase .inaircraft flying hours, increase in aviators flying time, non-availability offlight examiners and increased maintenance support required to support additionalflight hours. Additionally, most aircraft terminate the flying day by returningto base airfield in flight formation. This, coupled with the high density ofair traffic normally associated with airfields possessing GA, and IMB facilities,would result in an unacceptable waste of manpower and equipment.

FOR THE COM,-.AMMFL:

DAVID I. ANDC. AGAIft. A*

20

-~ ,p-

AVH -DST (15 Feb,69) 2d Ind-$WBJEOT: Operational Report of Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FFM)

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)

H4FAr UNITED STATE ARMY, VIETNAM, APO San Francisco 96375 1 5 1969

TO:, Commnder in- Chief, United States Army, Pacific, ATTN: GPOP-DT,APO 96558

1. This headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learnedfor the quarterly period ending 31 January 1969 from Headquarters, 58thAviation Group (FFM) (PROV), (redesignated 165th Aviation Group).

2. Comments follow:

a. Reference item concerning ground controlled approach (GCA) re-quiremOints, page 11, paragraph 2b(2); concur. The plan for employmentof 4 GCAs was approved by HQ USARV with the following understanding:

'(1) The 24 GCAs referred to in the plan reflect only those opera-ted by the 165th Aviation Group and exclude those operated by division-al units.

(2) Phased execution of the plan will be close.ly coordinated withthis headquarters to ascertain that the movement of tower and GCAequipment does not impair tactical operations.

(3) No exchange of equipment with divisional units will be madewithout the approval of this headquarters.

14) Deviations from the plan to meet tactical requirements may bedirected by this headquarters.

b. Reference item concerning airfield lighting equipment, page -13,paragraph 2e(3); concur that DA take appropriate action.

c. Reference item concerning flight publications, page 14, paragraph2h(1); nonconcur. The numbering system in the Tactical Aerodrome Direc-tory (TAD) has been the subject of numerous discussions between HQ USARV,HQ 7th Air Force, the 834th Air Division, USA Flight Information Detach-ment and MACV. MACV will survey aviators to determine what indexing sys-tem they desire to use most. The survey will take about 90 days tocomplete.

d. Reference item concerning facility rating of GCA controllers, page16, paragraph 2h(3)(c) 1 and _, and 1st Indorsement; nonconcur. Concur incomments by 1st Aviation Brigade on 1st Indorsement. It isf agreed that

ii

'' -' t ____________________________

* AVHGC-DST (15 Feb 69) 2d IndSUBJECT: Operational Report O': Headquarters 58th Aviation Group (FF2)-

(PROV) for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (Rl)

there are adequate facilities for the renewal of instrnent ratings inRVN; however, it is not practical based on aviator job assignments andunit tactical comitments. It is further impractical to direct that allaircraft make a GCA approach every day. Command attention will insurethe continued proficiency of GCA operators and pilots.

e. Reference item concerning signal (comnunications), page 17, para-graph 2i; concur. Avionics Navigation Equipment Repairman (MOS 3%M20)cur,:ently receive a two week block of instruction on the AN/GRN-6 low fre-quency beacon. A course POI, pending revision, includes similar trainingfor the AN/TRN-25.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

I[. , A~a (/ _OPAGO

Assistaat Ajutan Gsm*Cy furn:

58th Avn Gp1st Avn Bde

4-a

go lo .. "WguxCf' -cz:=4

GPP-T (1 e'9)31n

imti pr

ArmyT (1higtn Feb 69) 3d31d

This headquarters has evaluated subject report and forwarding indorse--ments and concurs in the report as indorsed.

FOR THE CCOMANDER IN CHIEF:

. . O IELD

MM, AGAsst AG

23

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bNwASSI1F1EISecurtity Classification

DOCUMENT CONTROL DATA R2 & DL powly of (Cuplm.he*.f)asrc mikek smetatim, must 6j nemd when am -~alisl ocasf"

HI OA OR( DAst., Wash R~itton, Dr.).201

CO, 58th Aviation Group (FFM) (PROV)

3. REPRTm DATE 78. TOTAL MO. OF PAGES 7b. NO. OF Raps

15 February 1969 261S.CONTRACT OR GRANT NO. VAL ORIGINATOWS REPORT NUIARERIS)

69 11826. PROJECT No.______________________________ IC. N/A S.OTHER REPORT NOII) (A#?Wd~ sthorn.er that meaybo sauidia"

d.

W0. 0,2TRIOUTIO" STATEMENT

I I. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE$ 12. SPON3ORING MILITARY ACTI VITY

N/A JOACSF0R, DA, Washington, D.C. 20310

13. AS!STRACT

24

jDD IMO'..I473 UNCLASSIFIED Casfcto