Troop Orientation

Troop Orientation: Operation Lanikai

We've all been through this routine. Before dad will let you borrow the car for that hot Saturday night date, you have to listen to "the talk". Here is the Army version. Prior to relieving another unit in an area where close contact with local Vietnamese is to occur, the Battalion Commander offers a little fatherly advice . . .

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 2ND BATTALION 14TH INFANTRY
(GOLDEN DRAGONS)
APO San Francisco 96225

9 December 1966

SUBJECT: Troop Orientation: Operation Lanikai

TO:     Commanding Officer's All Units, 2nd Bn 14th Inf, and all
        Staff Sections 2nd Bn, 14th Inf

     Attached is a Troop Orientation for Operation Lanikai. The Orientation will be given to all personnel by their respective unit commanders and staff section chiefs prior to departing Cu Chi for Ben Luc.

1 Incl                                        WILLIAM E. DAVIS
                                             LTC, Infantry
                                             Commanding

TROOP ORIENTATION: OPERATION LANIKAI

     Within the next week this battalion will relieve the 4th Bn 23rd Inf on Operation Lanikai. This operation is being conducted in Long An Province in the Delta area of Vietnam. This operation is unique in that up until September of this year no U.S. Infantry troops have conducted sustained combat operations in this area of the rice-rich lands of the Delta. This operation is also unique in that American troops work very closely with and are integrated with Vietnamese units during all combat operations. In addition American soldiers work with Vietnamese agencies in conducting various Civil Affairs activities.

Before we go any further let's take a brief look at our future operational area. Long An Province is situated generally to the south and south-west of Saigon. The capital of the province is Tan An located approximately 40 kilometers south-west of Saigon. The total population of the province is approximately 381,000. The province is made up of 6 districts. Our tactical base will be located in Ben Luc, the capital of Ben Luc District. Ben Luc District has a population of approximately 46,000. The main economy of the province is agriculture, the principal crop being rice.

Long An Province is strategically important. Through it pass highways 4 and 5 and all the main waterways leading from the Saigon area into the southern most part of the Delta.

Since this operation has several unique factors there will be certain positive guidelines and rules we must follow. The reasons for these rules are as follows:

1. The people of Long An Province enjoy a relatively stable economy and a higher standard of living than most areas in which we have operated.

2. American combat troops are new to the area and they must present to, and maintain favorable impressions with Vietnamese civilian and military personnel.

3. Free World Forces must gain, through combat operations and pacification tasks, control of this strategically important area.

The rules and guidelines are:

1. Individuals will not purchase anything from civilian vendors or merchants in the area. Only one person in each company will be authorized to buy items from civilian merchants. The items purchased by this authorized person should be limited to ice, straw mats, wash basins, and other minor comfort items needed by individuals of the companies. Prices for items purchased will not exceed those published by the Bn S-5. Do not buy souvenirs or other fancy items. The District Chief wants to keep the souvenir shops out of Ben Luc. P.X. and Sundry pack items will be provided by the battalion. Authorized barber services will also be provided.

2. Do not give anything to the civilians. This includes giving candy to children. Effective Civil Affairs programs will take care of the civilians.

3. While riding in convoys do not throw candy or cigarettes to anyone.

4. Do not let children or civilians congregate around bunkers. Be polite but firm and tell them to move on.

5. Do not privately contract for civilian laundry. Authorized laundry services will be provided.

6. Do not leave the base area unless you are on official business as determined by your company commander.

7. Do not go into bars. There have been several attempts by Vietnamese civilians to establish bars in Ben Luc that cater to the American Soldier. The District Chief has closed some of them but he cannot completely control them unless he has our cooperation. The people of Ben Luc do not want them.

8. Stay away from prostitutes. Wherever soldiers go there will be prostitutes. Ben Luc is no exception. The prostitutes found and dismissed from the area were from Saigon. They wear western style clothes and are run out of Ben Luc as soon at they are detected. As with the bars the people of Ben Luc don't want them. The District Chief attempts to keep them out but again he has to have our cooperation. Hold on to it until your DEROS or R&R.

9. Be helpful and courteous to the Vietnamese People and soldiers. We will be conducting combat operations with ARVN squads and platoons. Although you may not always agree with them, understand that they have known nothing but war during their lifetimes. The ARVN soldier has no DEROS, R&R program, nor is there an effective retirement system in the Vietnamese Army. They are in for the duration.

10. Drivers must be careful. Be extremely cautious while operating vehicles. The area around the base is extremely crowded and congested with civilians, mostly children. All rules of proper and safe driving must be adhered to.

Unlike any operation this battalion has conducted in Vietnam, our overall success depends upon the favorable impression and cooperation we establish and maintain with both the ARVN troops and the civilian population in Long An Province.

11. All personnel will stay in the proper uniform. The prescribed uniform will include steel pot and weapon.

This Troop Orientation has been reproduced to appear like the original. The copy was obtained by and has been generously contributed by Jim Huskey, HHC Co., 2/14th Inf.