TECHNICAL
EQUIPMENT
(a) Tellurometers: these have continued to give trouble mainly far technical reasons, though lack of user training and depreciation is probably a contributing factor in the failure to gain good, consistent results. Their use over relatively short distances (ie., less than 2000 m) is not recommended unless ideal conditions prevail. They have proved very useful, however, in projecting survey 'out' from NUI DAT into particular areas of operations.
(b) Theodolites: 3 of 7 Wild T2s have had to be written off because they are worn out through fair wear and tear. The fungus problem had been overcome by keeping such optical equipment in an 'oven' heated by electric light globes.
(c) Heliographs: have proved to be of immense value when conditions are not favourable, because of haze or background, for sighting beacons or flags. At least two more are required in the section.
(d) Radios: The ANPRC 25 set is of immense worth. Their reliability enables the sec comd to exercise tight control over a scheme and gives him maximum flexibility in planning.
SURVEY TECHNIQUES,etc.
(a) Carryinq forward of Survey. Most recent work has been done by putting in a point in sight of the NUI DAT trig, then later closing back onto this point. In a particular area survey has been taken across country by traversing or triangulation.
(b) Isolated Areas. The technique “simultaneous orientation” has proved most useful in providing survey to independent batteries when it is not possible to carry theatre survey forward. Simultaneous observations for orientation has proved to be a quick and reliable technique on these occasions and theatre orientation can be guaranteed.
STATION MARKING
8. BPs have been marked by 4' star-iron pickets driven into the ground and set in concrete, Recovery marks are also placed around the stations, blazes on trees, marks on buildings etc., being preferred to other pickets just driven into the ground, though this is at times done. The extra work involved is thought worthwhile. If a Station is occupied, it must be checked for possible movement and even for booby traps.
RECONNAISSANCE & PLANNING
9. Rarely has sufficient time been given to either. It is most fortunate that good communications has allowed the Sec Comd maximum flexibility once a task has begun. When other arms protection is supplied it is essential to complete the field work as quickly as possible in order to release the protection for other tasks. Because of this it may be necessary to sacrifice accuracy for speed and the Sec Comd must be in a position to assess this requirement properly.
PROTECTION
10. In open country several APCs are ideal for protection and transport, though care must be taken where a traverse may spread people over a long distance; tactful liason with the APC group Comd of this problem usually supplies an amiable solution. Infantry protection is essential in close country, where a sniper or booby trap threat exists. It is suggested as a rule of thumb, but not as a criteria, that a full platoon of infantry should protect a ten man survey party traversing.
(Op Report for Feb 67, undated)
SUMMARY
The 1st Deployment surveyors left knowing that during the last three months of their tour they had achieved what they were sent to Vietnam to do, and had the satisfaction of knowing that they had provided a firm base for later sections to build on, and given them pointers on how to go about carrying out this job. Their epitaph might well be included in the comment of the TFAIO in that report which reads: 'Extensive use was made of helicopters for transportation of personnel and equipment during the period. Overall the tasks ere carried out in an efficient manner and completed in a minimum of time'.
(Op Report for April 1967,dated 4 May 67)