1966, the year MASF was established. Under MASF the American Marine advisors furnished the VNMC material not commonly used by other RVNAF Serv­ices or needed to equip new units. Responsibility fell on the MAU to verify VNMC requirements and de­termine which must be met by MASF. The MAU also conducted periodic inventories of U.S. equipment held by the Vietnamese Marines and made recommenda­tions to upgrade their equipment.

In 1971 the MAU had set these goals: increase VNMC strength to 13, 462 by the end of the year; pro­vide full and continuing MASF support, including training the VNMC in the proper use and main­tenance of equipment; improve individual and unit training; and improve living conditions for Vietnamese Marines and their families. While advisory efforts in the past had concentrated on improvement of com­bat skills, the MAU now emphasized logistics. Ameri­can Marine advisors worked vigorously to develop a 'definitive supply management system within the VNMC.' In short, the Marine Advisory Unit readjusted 'the nature of its support' as the VNMC demonstrated self-sufficiency in specific areas.6

To improve VNMC morale and esprit de corps, as well as battlefield effectiveness, and to strengthen al­legiance to the Government of South Vietnam, the MAU and VNMC worked to improve the health and well-being of the Vietnamese Marines' families. American Marine advisors put many man-hours into civic action projects to better the lot of the Vietnamese Marines and their dependents. Projects included oper­ating a pig farm for low-cost meat and a commissary with foods at reduced rates; building dependent hous­ing; upgrading base camps; and constructing a new hospital. In 1971 the SMA reported that 'more must be and is being done, primarily by the Vietnamese themselves, but with extensive MAU assistance.'7

With its American Marine advisors, the VNMC con­ducted primarily battalion-size operations in 1970. The year began slowly with the Vietnamese Marines searching for an elusive enemy In late January, however, while operating in Chuong Thien and Kien Giang Provinces, southwest of Saigon in IV Corps as part of Amphibious Task Force 211, a battalion of Brigade A made heavy contact. In the early morning hours of the 22d, the K-2 and K-6 Battalions of the

The relative simplicity of a South Vietnamese Marine Corps battalion command post during the fall of WO is depicted below. Capt Peter C. Anderson, Assistant Advisor to the 6th VNMC Battalion, left, is shown with Maj Tung, center, and his staff.

Courtesy of Col John G. Miller, USMC