Army of the Republic of South Vietnam (ARVN)

Army of the Republic of South Vietnam (ARVN)
v.1.0 March 10, 2002

ARVN

South Vietnam had a Joint General Staff, in command of all of the armed forces. In the Army, most forces came under the commander of a corps. These were geographic units, known as corps tactical zones and later as military regions.

The original Army organization grew from seven divisions to four corps tactical zones (I-IV) and nine divisions. From north to south:

I Corps had 1^st Infantry Division (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Infantry Regiments?) and 2^nd Infantry Division (4^th, 5^th and 6^th Infantry Regiments?), along with the separate 51^st Infantry Regiment.

II Corps had 22^nd Infantry Division (40^th, 41^st and 47^th Infantry Regiments?) and 23^rd Infantry Division (44^th and 45^th Infantry Regiments?), along with the separate 42^nd Infantry Regiment.

III Corps had 5^th Infantry Division (7^th, 8^th and 9^th Infantry Regiments?), 25^th Infantry Division (46^th, 49^th and 50^th Infantry Regiments?), and separate 43^rd and 48^th Infantry Regiments.

IV Corps had 7^th Infantry Division (10^th, 11^th and 12^th Infantry Regiments?), 9^th Infantry Division (14^th, 15^th and 16^th Infantry Regiments?), and 21^st Infantry Division (31^st, 32^nd, and 33^rd Infantry Regiments?).

There were also armor, ranger, airborne, and marines units (see sections below on them). GHQ artillery included six battalions of 155mm howitzers, and some separate batteries of 75mm guns and 105mm howitzers equivalent to another four battalions[1].

The 1^st Infantry Division was headquartered near Hue for its existence. 2^nd Infantry Division was originally at Da Nang, moving its headquarters to Quang Ngai in May 1965, then to Chu Lai in early 1972.

22^nd Infantry Division had its headquarters at Kontum until Mar 1965, when it moved to Ba Gi. 23^rd Infantry Division had its headquarters at Ban Me Thuot.

5^th Infantry Division was headquartered at Phu Loi from Jul 1964, moving to Lai Khe Feb 1970. 25^th Infantry Division had its headquarters at Duc Hoa from Dec 1964. It moved to Cu Chi (former base camp of the U.S. 25^th Infantry Division) Dec 1970.

7^th Infantry Division had its headquarters at My tho, moving to Dong Tam (near My Tho) in Sep 1969; Dong Tam had been the base camp for the 9^th [U.S.] Infantry Division. 9^th Infantry Division had its headquarters at Sa Dec until Apr 1972, when it moved to Vinh Long (a former U.S. base). 21^st Infantry Division was headquartered at Bac Lieu.

Around 1959, a division totaled 10,450 personnel (three infantry regiments, 105mm howitzer battalion, 4.2” mortar battalion, reconnaissance company, and pioneer battalion). This was unchanged at the end of 1964, although the 23^rd Division had only two infantry regiments assigned. From summer 1965, all infantry regiments began forming fourth battalions.

The 10^th Infantry Division was activated 16 May 1965 at Xuan Loc, in III CTZ (taking in the existing 43^rd and 48^th Infantry Regiments and the new 52^nd Infantry Regiment); it was renumbered by the end of the year (or as late as Jan 1967?) as 18^th Division. A new separate infantry regiment was authorized Nov 1965. In addition, all infantry divisions began replacing the mortar battalion with a second battalion of 105mm howitzers. The 23^rd Infantry Division acquired a third regiment (53^rd Infantry Regiment) in 1967 or 1968[2]. In early 1968 all divisions were authorized three 105mm and one 155mm artillery battalions.

Overall organization mid 1968 included the 10 divisions, 3 separate regiments, airborne division, Ranger command (20 bns), and 11 armored cavalry bns. Artillery amounted to 24 105mm and 6 155mm battalions. Artillery expanded after that point; by the end of 1970 there were 43 battalions of 105mm howitzers (up from 35 in 1969) and 15 battalions of 155mm howitzers (up from 12 in 1969); divisions actually had 46 of the battalions, exceeding the number arrived at by assuming three 105mm and one 155mm battalion each (40 battalions). Spring 1970 saw the authorization of two 175mm gun battalions and two AA battalions (40mm AA and quad .50). Increases in armor were also authorized.

In 1971, infantry regiments were reduced to three battalions again, but each battalion was reorganized with four companies. The 3^rd Infantry Division was activated 1 Oct 1971 in I CTZ. Its headquarters was established at Ai Tu, near Quang Tri city. After the loss of Quang Tri in 1972, it was reconstituted at Da Nang. By this date, all of the separate regiments were incorporated into divisions; ARVN in 1972 had 35 regiments in its 11 divisions. One more 105mm battalion existed by Jun 1972, bringing those up to 44 (still 15 155mm battalions). Following the 1972 Easter offensive, two more AA battalions and three more 175mm gun battalions were authorized. Actual strengths Jun 1973 were 4 (5?) 175mm and 4 air AA battalions.

December 1972 organization

1^st Inf Div	MR I: Hue	1^st, 3^rd, 51^st, 54^th Inf Regts
2^nd Inf Div	MR I: Quang Ngai	4^th, 5^th, 6^th Inf Regts
3^rd Inf Div	MR I: Quang Tri	2^nd, 56^th, 57^th Inf Regts
22^nd Inf Div	MR II: Bai Gi	40^th, 42^nd, 47^th Inf Regts
23^rd Inf Div	MR II: Ban Me Thuot	41^st, 44^th, 45^th, 53^rd Inf Regts
5^th Inf Div	MR III: Lai Khe	7^th, 8^th, 9^th Inf Regts
18^th Inf Div	MR III: Xuan Loc	43^rd, 48^th, 52^nd Inf Regts
25^th Inf Div	MR III: Duc Hoa	46^th, 49^th, 50^th Inf Regts
7^th Inf Div	MR IV: Dong Tam	10^th, 11^th, 12^th Inf Regts
9^th Inf Div	MR IV: Rach Gia	14^th, 15^th, 16^th Inf Regts
21^st Inf Div	MR IV: Bac Lieu	31^st, 32^nd, 33^rd Inf Regts
Abn Div	GR: Saigon	1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd Abn Bdes, 7^th Ranger Gp
Marine Div	GR: Saigon	147^th, 258^th, 369^th Marine Bdes
3^rd Rgr Cmnd	Bien Hoa	3^rd, 5^th, 6^th Ranger Groups
MR 1	Da Nang	1^st Ranger Gp, HQ 1^st Armor Bde
MR II	Pleiku	2^nd Ranger Gp, HQ 2^nd Armor Bde
MR III	Bien Hoa	81^st Ranger Bn, HQ 3^rd Armor Bde
MR IV	Can Tho
44^th Spec Tac Zone	Chi Long	4^th Ranger Gp, HQ 4^th Armor Bde

Armd Cav Regts: 18 (11 divisional, 7 separate)

Ranger Bns: 22, plus 33 border ranger defense (successor to old Special Forces CIDG), and 81^st Ranger “Force”

105mm How Bns: 33 divisional, 8 separate, 3 airborne[3]

155mm How Bns: 11 divisional, 4 separate

175mm Gun Bns: 5

Air Defense Bns: 4 (40mm and quad .50 MG)

Armor Corps

Originally there were four armored cavalry regiments [bns]: 1^st (III CTZ?), 2^nd (IV CTZ), 3^rd (II CTZ?), 4^th (I CTZ).

5^th and 6^th were formed Dec 1963 (originally as 5^th Armor Gp and 6^th Mech Battle Gp; the former all-tank; both later reorganized as the others and redesignated armored cavalry regiments). At some point the goal became to have one per division. In 1965 the six regiments had 29 squadrons (five with tanks, three with armored cars, and 21 with M113 APC’s).

10 regiments were active by Mar 1966 and the goal was to raise 6 more (this would give one to each active division, one each to the two planned divisions, and four more at one per corps). The two planned divisions were not actually formed. However, the number of regiments was 11 Jun 1968, 16 Jun 1969 and 17 Jun 1970; it would increase to 18 by Jun 1972. Of the 18 regiments raised: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, and 19^thare known designations.

This ultimately gave one regiment per division and 7 separate regiments [in 1972, 7^th was with 1^st Div, 11^th with 3^rd Div, and 14^th with 22^nd Div; 3^rd might have been with 23^rd Div, and 19^th was in MR 2]. Each corps formed an armored brigade by 1970 with the corps number (1^st to 4^th), which was intended to have two non-divisional armored cavalry regiments; the brigades might also control a divisional regiment for a specific operation. (When the 11^th went to the new 3^rd Infantry Division in 1971, this left a shortage.) A nineteenth armored cavalry regiment was at least authorized in early 1971 but appears never to have been formed.

20^th Tank Regt was authorized 31 Jul 1971 and operational by end of Mar 1972. Two more tank regiments were authorized after the Easter offensive in 1972; one may have been designated as 21^st.

During 1974, two composite battalions (M48 and M41 tanks and M113 APCs) were created at the Armor School (Thu Duc, near Saigon).

Armored brigade headquarters were formed to command the GHQ units, with 2 active Jun 1969, 3 Jun 1971 and 4 Jun 1972.

Airborne

In 1955, the Airborne Group had 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Para Bns; it was redesignated in 1959 as the Airborne Brigade.

2^nd Para Bn was created before Mar 1965 and 1^st Abn Art Bn created sometime 1965; two more parachute battalions were authorized Nov 1965 (8^th and 9^th?). The six battalions in Mar 1965 were located: one in I CTZ, three in II CTZ, and two in III CTZ.

On 1 Dec 1965 all of these units grouped as the Airborne Division

11^th Para Bn and 2^nd and 3^rd Abn Art Bns and three recon coys were created later; the ninth battalion operational at end of March 1968.

These were grouped into three brigades:

1^st Brigade: 1^st, 8^th and 9^th Para Bns; abn art bn; recon coy

2^nd Brigade: 5^th 7^th and 11^th Para Bns; abn art bn; recon coy

3^rd Brigade: 2^nd, 3^rd and 6^th Para Bns; abn art bn; recon coy

In 1974, the Airborne Division was supplemented by raising the 4^th Airborne Brigade. It was operational by Jan 1975.

Marines

1964 strength was one brigade of four battalions; the Marines were part of the Navy until 5 Jan 1965 when made a separate service. A fifth battalion was active by Mar 1965 (two in II CTZ and three in III CTZ); in Nov 1965 sixth battalion was authorized. 1967 strength was six infantry battalions and three artillery batteries (the batteries had been equipped with 75mm pack howitzers, slowly converting to 105mm howitzers; the last one was authorized for conversion late Oct 1966). The artillery grew to five or six batteries. The Marine Division was activated 1 Oct 1968, although not completed until later. By Jun 1969 there were two artillery battalions (the 1^st formed 1 Apr 1969 and the 2^nd soon after); infantry strength was still at six battalions. The 3^rd Artillery Bn was activated Nov 1969 and the 7^th Infantry Bn Dec 1969. There were nine battalions by the end of 1970.

The division, by this time, had two task force headquarters (A and B), which soon became known as brigade headquarters. When they grew to nine battalions, there was also a Brigade C (by Jun 1970). In Jun 1971 these were numbered, initially based on the battalions assigned (e.g., Brigade A had the 1^st, 4^th and 7^th Bns and became 147^th Bde; B had the 2^nd, 5^th and 6^th and became 256^th.) However, these numbers were changed and the finalization ca Nov 1971 was 147^th, 258^th and 369^th [147^th Bde may have had 1^st, 4^th, 8^th Bns]. The division also included three small reconnaissance companies (one for each brigade) and an engineer battalion.

Battalions identified: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th.

Artillery Battalions: 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd.

In 1974, the Marine Division was supplemented by raising the 468^th Marine Brigade. It was operational by Jan 1975.

Rangers

By mid-1963, the original battalions were numbered as 11^th, 21^st 31^st, and 41^st (one in each corps zone, which matched first digit in designation). 22^nd Battalion raised at Duc My in II CTZ, and 32^nd and 33^rd Battalions at Saigon in III CTZ by 1964; there were also a number of separate ranger companies; these were absorbed into bns by 1965

By Mar 1965 there were 20 Ranger battalions (3 in I CZT, 4 in II CTZ, 8 in III CTZ, and 5 in IVCTZ); other designations in 1965 included 42^nd, 44^th, 52^nd .

Three ranger groups (headquarters and three battalions each) were operational by the end of 1966 and four by Jan 1968.

1^st Ranger Group Jan 1968: 21^st, 37^th and 39^th Bns (same three assigned in 1972)

2^nd Ranger Group Jan 1968: 11^th, 22^nd, 23^rd Bns

3^rd Ranger Group Jan 1968: 31^st, 34^th, 35^th, 36^th, 51^st, 52^nd Bns (36^th and 52^nd still assigned in 1970)

4^th Ranger Group Jan 1968: 32^nd, 41^st, 42^nd, 43^rd, 44^th Bns

These provide 17 battalion designations, so three are still missing.

In Oct 1970 Ranger organization stabilized at 7 groups (3 battalions each). Later, one of the border ranger battalions in the Delta was upgraded to mobile status, giving 22 battalions.

In 1974, the 8^th and 9^th Ranger Groups were raised. These were operational by Jan 1975.

Additionally, there was the 81^st Airborne Ranger Battalion (three companies), which was a special reaction force associated with the US and South Vietnamese special forces. By 1967 it had expanded to six companies, and then or later became known as 81^st Airborne Ranger Group.

Engineers

By Jun 1968 there was an engineer battalion in each of the 10 divisions, 13 separate combat engineer battalions (4 group headquarters0, and 8 engineer construction battalions (2 group headquarters). Combat engineers increased in 1972 to 11 divisional battalions and in 1973 to 12; separate combat battalions reduced during 1970 from 13 to 12 and remained at that number, along with the four group headquarters. Construction battalions increased to 10 in 1969, 13 in 1970, and to 17 in 1971 (all figures as of Jun), with the construction group headquarters increasing to 3 in 1970 and 4 in 1971.

Territorial Forces

The Territorial Forces began with a variety of names and purposes, but standardized into the Regional Forces and Popular Forces, grouped as RF/PF or “Ruff-Puffs.” These were separate from the regular Army until 1970. Regional Forces were organized into companies, controlled by province chiefs, and Popular Forces organized as platoons, controlled by district or village chiefs. In Jun 1965, there were 969 authorized RF companies and 3892 authorized PF platoons. The RF also included some armored car platoons, boat companies, and other odds and ends.

By the end of 1965 RF strength was about 130,000 men; this nearly matched their authorized strength, and an increase of 20,000 personnel for the 1966-67 period was authorized. The PF, however, had only 135,000 of their authorized 185,000. Despite this, MACV approved an increase to 200,000 personnel for 1966. For the RF, the 1966-67 plans became an increase from 767 to 888 companies and about 135,000 personnel to 155,000. Note that the number of companies active and planned were both well below the number that had been authorized in Jun 1965. At least 40 of the new RF companies were to come from the Special Forces-led CIDG. Other manpower problems led to a freeze during 1966 to a planned RF strength of just under 142,000 in 1966 and 152,500 in FY 1967. The PF were to aim for a total of 176,200 in 1966 and 147,400 in FY 1967.

By Oct 1967 the RF had 896 companies, 24 riverine companies (eight landing boats each, all located in the Delta area), and a platoon of 6 armored cars and a logistics company in each province. The PF had 242 intelligence squads (one per district) and 4121 platoons. Some of these were new units, since 99 RF companies and 446 PF platoons were activated in the period Jul – Dec 1967.

In Mar 1968, MACV proposed grouping the RF companies into battalions, with a plan to activate 177 battalion headquarters. There were no battalion HQ in 1969, 31 by Jun 1970 and 47 by Jun 1971. In 1972, the authorized strength of the RF was 300,600 and of the PF 227,900. By 30 Jun 1972 there were 61 battalion HQ and 1669 companies. This increased in 1973 to 360 battalion HQ and 1810 companies.

In 1974, the Army began to convert sector headquarters to mobile group commands, with two-four RF battalions and a four-gun battery. The plan (obviously never completed) was to form 27 such groups by Jun 1975.

Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDG)

The CIDG was raised, led and paid by the U.S. Special Forces, with only a nominal pretense of subordination to the Vietnamese Special Forces or government. At least in the central highlands, CIDG personnel were often montagnards or other non-Vietnamese ethnic groups. CIDG were formed into companies, grouped into a sort of nominal battalion at camps under the control of Special Forces A-Detachment (12-15 men depending on role). In 1970, all of the remaining camps were either converted to border ranger battalions under South Vietnamese control or shut down. This list of camps and their existence may be incomplete. It does not include camps with command detachments (C or B) or those which held MIKE [ Mobile Strike Force] elements. In a few cases, the camp may have had an A-Detachment but existed for some special purpose other than CIDG units. Those marked “converted” were converted to border ranger battalions, a list of which follows.

I Corps Tactical Zone

Camp	Opened	Fate
Khe Sanh	1962	closed ca Apr 1968
Gia Vuc	Feb 1962	turned over to VNSF 31 Jan 1969
A Shau	1963	overrun 10 Mar 1966
Kham Duc	Sep 1963	closed 12 May 1968 (under attack)
Ba To	Mar 1965	converted 30 Sep 1970
Tra Bong	Mar 1965	converted 31 Aug 1970
Ha Thanh	Apr 1965	converted 31 Aug 1970
Tien Phuoc	Nov 1965	converted 31 Oct 1970
Minh Long	Mar 1966	converted 30 Sep 1970
Thuong Duc	Mar 1966	converted 14 Nov 1970
Lang Vei	Dec 1966	overrun 7 Feb 1968
Mai Loc	Jun 1968	closed 27 Aug 1970
Nong Son	Jun 1968	converted 31 Oct 1970

II Corps Tactical Zone

Camp	Opened	Fate
Plei Mrong	Feb 1962	turned over to VNSF 1 May 1967; converted 31 Oct 1970
Plei Do Lim	Apr 1962	turned over to RF/PF 2 Aug 1968
Duc Co	Jun 1962	converted 30 Sep 1970
Dak Pek	Oct 1962	converted 30 Nov 1970
Dong Tre	Jun 1963	turned over to RF/PF 30 Jun 1969
Plei Mei	Oct 1963	converted 31 Oct 1970
Mang Buk	Jul 1964	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1970
Plateau Gi	Jan 1965	turned over to VNSF 15 Jan 1969; to RF/PF 31 May 1970
Polei Kleng	Mar 1966	converted 31 Aug 1970
Phu Tuc	Apr 1965	turned over to RF/PF 2 Aug 1968
An Lac	May 1965	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1970
Lac Thien	May 1965	turned over to RF/PF 30 Sep 1967
Van Canh	Aug 1965	turned over to RF/PF 10 Jan 1968
Dak To	Aug 1965	turned over to RF/PF 15 May 1968
Mai Linh	Sep 1965	unverified; still around in Oct 1967
Vinh Thanh	Nov 1965	turned over to VNSF 25 Dec 1967; to RF/PF 30 Jun 1969
Cung Son	Jan 1966	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1969
Luong Son	Jan 1966	turned over to RF/PF 3 Aug 1968
Tan Rai	Jan 1966	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1969
Nhon Co	Mar 1966	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1970
Buon Blech	Jul 1966	turned over to RF/PF 30 Jun 1969
Dak Seang	Aug 1966	converted 30 Nov 1970
Duc Lap	Nov 1966	converted 31 Dec 1970
Plei Djereng	Dec 1966	converted 31 Oct 1970
Ha Tay	Jun 1967	turned over to RF/PF 31 Mar 1969
Trang Phuc	Sep 1977	converted 30 Sep 1970
Bu Prang	Oct 1967	converted 30 Nov 1970
Tieu Atar	Dec 1967	converted 30 Sep 1970
Ben Hat	May 1968	converted 31 Dec 1970

III Corps Tactical Zone

Camp	Opened	Fate
Trang Sup	Feb 1963	converted 30 Nov 1970
Bu Dop	Nov 1963	converted 31 Dec 1970
Minh Thanh	Dec 1963
Nui Ba Den	Aug 1964
Ben Soi	Mar 1965	turned over to VNSF; converted 31 Aug 1970
Tanh Linh	Apr 1965	turned over to RF/PF 31 Oct 1967
Dong Xoai	May 1965	turned over to RF/PF 31 Jan 1970
Ho Ngoc Tao	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Cao Bian	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Suoi Da	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Hiep Hoa	Apr 1966	relocated to Duc Hue Nov 1967
Trai Bi	Jun 1966	closed 18 Dec 1967
Xom Cat	by Oct 1966	closed before 1967?
Bao Don	by Oct 1966	closed before 1967?
Go Dau Ha	by Oct 1966
Loc Ninh	closed before 1967?	converted 30 Sep 1970
Tra Cu	Dec 1966	converted 31 Aug 1970
Chi Linh	Jan 1967	closed 15 Dec 1969
Duc Phong	Jan 1967	turned over to RF/PF 31 May 1970
Bu Nard	Apr 1967	converted 30 Apr 1970
Prek Klok	Apr 1967	closed 11 Dec 1967
Tong Le Chon	Mar 1967	converted 30 Nov 1970
Luong Hoa	May 1967	closed Oct 1967
Duc Hue	Nov 1967	converted 31 Oct 1970
Katum	Feb 1968	converted 31 Oct 1970
Thien Ngon	Feb 1968	converted 30 Sep 1970

IV Corps Tactical Zone

Camp	Opened	Fate
Binh Hung	Jan 1965	closed 31 May 1970
Dan Chu	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Binh Thanh Thon	May 1965	converted 2 Nov 1970
Moc Hoa	Mar 1963	closed Mar 1968
Tuyen Nhon	Apr 1965	converted 2 Oct 1970
Ha Tien	Apr 1965	turned over to RF/PF 24 Oct 1967
Vinh Gia	Aug 1964	turned over to VNSF 30 Jun 1967
Tinh Bien	Apr 1964	turned over to RF/PF 30 Oct 1970
An Phu	by Oct 1965	turned over to RF/PF 6 Aug 1966 [pilot conversion]
An Long	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Xom Duong Dong	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Tri Ton	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Tan Chau	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Ap Bac	by Oct 1965	closed before Oct 1966?
Cai Cai	Apr 1965	converted 2 Oct 1970
Kinh Quan II	Oct 1965	turned over to VNSF 15 Nov 1968; to RF/PF 31 Jan 1970
Thuong Thoi	May 1966	moved to Chi Lang Sep 1970 when flooded
Phu Quoc Island	Feb 1965	turned over to RF/PF Mar 1968
Ba Xoi	May 1966	converted 30 Nov 1970
My Phoc Tay	Feb 1967
Thanh Tri	Mar 1968	converted 5 Sep 1970
My Dien II	Jan 968	turned over to RF/PF 30 Mar 1970
Chi Lang	Sep 1970	turned over to RF/PF 31 Jan 1970
My An/My Da	Mar 1967
To Chau[4]	Feb 1968	converted 5 Sep 1970

Mobile Strike Forces

In summer 1965 Special Forces created a Mobile Strike (or “Mike”) Force. Each corps tactical zone had one, and there was a country-wide Mobile Force at Nha Trang (IV Corps and Nha Trang Mike Forces were established Jan 1966). These began to be organized into companies of 184 men each, and were theoretically airborne-qualified. The Nha Trang MSF had six companies by 1967, although three were then absorbed into another Special Forces project and two more formed. These companies formed a reserve that could be used to help CIDG camps under attack or for reconnaissance or other special missions.

In Mar 1968 the Nha Trang MSF was redesignated 55^th MSF Command and expanded with a HQ and two battalions. Each of the corps tactical zones also formed MSF Commands: 16^th, 20^th, 36^th and 40^th. Battalions were to consist of three companies (184 men each), and each MSFC except the 55^th was authorized a 135-man recon company. Initially, 16^th MSFC had one battalion, the 20^th, 36^th and 40^th had three battalions each, and the 55^th (retaining its country-wide mission) had two. In Jul 1968 the 16^th had two battalions, the 20^th had five, and 55^th had four, with 36^th and 40^th still at three. In fall 1968 the five commands were renumbered as 1^st to 5^th.

1^st MSFC was at Da Nang; strengths at various dates: 1463 Jul 1968, 1075 Oct 1968, and 790 Oct 1969. The camp was converted to border ranger 14 Nov 1970.

2^nd MSF was at Pleiku; strengths at various dates: 3119 Jul 1968, 2410 in Oct 1968 (with elements at Pleiku, Ban Me Thuot, Kontum, and Qui Nhon); and 3010 in Oct 1969. The Pleiku camp was converted to border ranger 31 May 1970, although there were still 567 MSF personnel at Kontum as late as Oct 1970.

3^rd MSF was at Long Hai; strengths at various dates: 2015 Jul 1968; 1948 Oct 1968; and 2124 in Oct 1969. There were still 500 MSF personnel there Oct 1970, and the camp closed 1 Jan 1971.

4^th MSF was at Can Tho; strengths at various dates: 2199 Jul 1968; 1600 in Oct 1968 (scattered among Don Phuc, Moc Hoa, to Chau, and Cao Lanh); 1950 in Oct 1969. The camp was converted to border ranger 31 May 1970, although there were still 560 MSF personnel in Oct 1970 (at Moc Hoa and Cao Lanh).

5^th MSF was at Nha Trang; strength: 2570 Jul 1968[5].

Border Ranger Battalions

These are shown in the order activated. They were formed in 1970 from the Special Forces-led CIDG camps, being converted as the Special Forces left Vietnam. Other than one in the Delta converted to mobile status before 1972 (designation unknown), these remained static units tied to their particular camp. Note that some camps may have been Mobile Strike Force camps, in which case there is no corresponding entry in the CIDG camp list.

Battalion	Strength	Formed	CTZ	Camp
61^st	486	31 Aug 70	I	Tra Bong
62^nd	403	31 Aug 70	II	Polei Kleng
63^rd	443	31 Aug 70	II	Plei Mrong
64^th	334	31 Aug 70	III	Tra Cu
66^th	379	31 Aug 70	IV	To Chau
67^th	315	31 Aug 70	IV	Thanh Tri
87^th	415	31 Aug 70	I	Ha Thanh
91^st	386	31 Aug 70	III	Ben Soi

68^th	386	30 Sep 70	I	Minh Long
69^th	400	30 Sep 70	I	Ba To
70^th	460	30 Sep 70	I	Gia Vuc
71^st	414	30 Sep 70	II	Tieu Arar
72d	399	30 Sep 70	II	Trang Phuc
73d	333	30 Sep 70	III	Thien Noon
74^th	358	30 Sep 70	III	Loc Ninh
75^th	302	30 Sep 70	IV	Tuyen Nhon
76^th	398	30 Sep 70	IV	Cai Cai

77^th	422	31 Oct 70	I	Tien Phuoc
78^th	392	31 Oct 70	I	Nong Son
80^th	479	31 Oct 70	II	Plei Djereng)
81^st	457	31 Oct 70	II	Duc Co
82^nd	464	31 Oct 70	II	Plei Me
83^rd	253	31 Oct 70	III	Duc Hue
84^th	369	31 Oct 70	III	Katum
85^th	210	31 Oct 70	IV	Chi Lang
86^th	332	31 Oct 70	IV	Binh Thanh Thon

79^th	396	15 Nov 70	I	Thuong Duc
65^th	427	30 Nov 70	III	Trang Sup
88^th	298	30 Nov 70	II	Dak Pek
89^th	377	30 Nov 70	II	Bu Prang
90^th	431	30 Nov 70	II	Dak Soang
92^nd	318	30 Nov 70	III	Tong Le Chon
93d	460	30 Nov 70	IV	Vinh Gia
94^th	408	30 Nov 70	IV	Ba Xoai

95^th	430	31 Dec 70	II	Ben Het
96^th	400	31 Dec 70	II	Duc Lap
97^th	300	31 Dec 70	III	Bu Dop

ARVN TOE’s

Infantry Battalion ca. 1965-66

Battalion HQ and Support Company (including 2 57mm recoilless rifles and 2 81mm mortars) and three rifle companies.

Rifle company (113 personnel, in HQ, heavy weapons platoon, and 3 rifle platoons. Heavy weapons totaled 2 3.5” rocket launchers in company HQ, and 2 MMG and 2 60mm mortars in heavy weapons platoon).

This reflects a nominal effective total 400-450 personnel against earlier TOE of 714 (200 in each rifle company).

On 31 May 1965, infantry battalions had an authorized strength of 714 personnel, an average assigned strength of 557 personnel, and an average present for operations strength of 376.

By 1972, a battalion still had 2 60mm mortars and 2 MMG in each rifle company, but could include 4-8 jeep-mounted 106mm recoilless rifles and 4 4.2” or 81mm mortars. Regiments could include a section with 2-3 TOW tubes on jeeps.

Ranger Battalion [1965-67]

HQ and HQ Company (87 personnel) and four ranger companies (143 personnel each).

Battalion aggregate 659 personnel. Equipment shown included 2 recoilless rifles, no mortars, 10 LMG. Vehicles totaled 11 jeeps and 7 trucks.

On 31 May 1965, a Ranger battalion had an authorized strength of 646, an average assigned strength of 532, and an average present for operations strength of 384.

Ranger Group [1968-72]

Group HQ (213 personnel), recon company (111 personnel), transportation company (114 personnel), engineer company (122 personnel), and three rangers battalions (745 personnel each).

Group aggregate was 2795 personnel. Heavy weapons included 25 mortars and 46 machine guns. Motor vehicles for the group totaled 75 jeeps (8 ambulances) and 24 trucks.

On 31 May 1965, Airborne battalions had an authorized strength of 889, an average assigned strength of 795, and an average present for operations strength of 496. Marine battalions had an authorized strength of 931 personnel, an average assigned strength of 969, and an average present for operations strength of 634.

In calendar 1966, infantry battalions of all types (including ranger, airborne, and marine) averaged 449 personnel present for operations. It was an ongoing MACV goal to increase the operational strength of battalions.

The Marine battalions in 1972 had an authorized strength of 875 (163 in HQ and service company and 178 in each of four infantry companies). Weapons included 3 60mm mortars and 3 57mm recoilless rifles in each company, 6 .50-caliber HMG and 6 81mm mortars at battalion.

Armored Cavalry Regiments

In 1956, an armored cavalry regiment [battalion] had a squadron [company] of M24 light tanks and two recon squadrons, with M8 armored cars, M3 half-tracks and M3 scout cars. By late 1964 all were reorganized with the light tank squadron, an M8 armored car squadron, a squadron of M114 recon vehicles, and two squadrons of M113’s (organized much like a US mechanized infantry company; each included 3 81mm mortars and a 57mm recoilless rifle, carried in the APCs).

The M114’s were judged unsuccessful, and entirely replaced with M113s Apr-Nov 1964.

After Dec 1964, each regiment gained four M132 flamethrower vehicles (variant of M113).

M41 light tanks began replacing the M24’s from Jan 1965 [five squadrons by the end of 1965, the rest later].

In May 1965 2^nd Armored Cavalry was given a troop of four M106 mortar carriers (4.2”); the test resulted in the proposal to establish one troop in each regiment.

There were some plans in 1965 to replace the M8’s with V-100 armored cars. By 1967, each regiment HQ had a troop [platoon] with V-100 armored cars.

In the summer of 1967, the armored car squadrons were disbanded and the M113 squadrons reorganized from 15 to 22 (achieved by cutting the crew size in each APC); M125A1 mortar carriers (81mm) replaced the ground-mounted 81mm mortars that had been carried in APCs.

Thus, it would appear that a 1967 armored cavalry regiment had a HQ (4 M113 and 2 M577; 4.2” mortar platoon (1 M577 and 4 M106 mortar carriers), 4 M132 flamethrower APC’s, 2 armoured M548 cargo vehicles, and a troop [6] of V-100 armored cars); light tank squadron (17 M41 tanks, plus 2 M113, 1 M578 ARV, 3 M548 cargo vehicles); and three mechanized squadrons (each 22 M113 APCs, 3 M125 mortar carriers (81mm)). With the expansion in the number of regiments, the mechanized squadrons might have been reduced to two. The M113’s in the squadron included a 106mm recoilless rifle.

20^th Tank Regiment

Formed with headquarters (3 M48A3, 4 M577, 2 M88 ARV), three companies M48A3 tanks (19 tanks, 1 M113, 1 M88ARV, 4 M548 cargo vehicles) and a mechanized company with 270 men that was divided with 90 men allotted to each tank company for protection and support[6]. A recce platoon (8 M113 ACAV) may have been added later, along with a mortar platoon (1 M577 and 4 M106A1).

RVN Air Force

By 1964 there were two fighter squadrons with T-28 training planes; they began replacing T-28 with A-1 in 1964. The VNAF also had a 1^st Transport Group with two squadrons of C-47’s at Tan Son Nhut.

In early 1965, there were four fighter squadrons (A-1) and two more forming (522^nd activated May 1965 and 524^th Aug 1965); 150 A-1 aircraft available. There were also two squadrons with CH-34 helicopters (20 each). Two transport squadrons and two liaison squadrons existed, and four more liaison squadrons were forming. Total aircraft: 282.

The VNAF adopted a wing structure in May 1965. The deployment (Jun 1967):

41^st Tactical Wing at Da Nang (one A-1 fighter, two H-34 helicopter, one O-1 liaison squadrons)

62^nd Tactical Wing at Nha Trang (one A-1 fighter, one H-34 helicopter, one O-1 liaison squadrons)

23^rd Tactical Wing at Bien Hoa (one F-5 fighter, two A-1 fighter, one RC-47 reconnaissance squadrons)

33^rd Tactical Wing at Tan Son Nhut (one H-34 helicopter, three C-47/C-119 transport, one RC-47 reconnaissance squadrons)

74^th Tactical Wing at Binh Thuy (one A-1 fighter, one H-34 helicopter, one O-1 liaison squadrons)

By 1967, the VNAF had 350 aircraft. Helicopter squadrons had increased to five[7], and authorized CH-34 strength was 105 (but just over 70 were in service). The six fighter squadrons had their first jet unit. On 1 Jun 1967 the 522^nd Fighter Squadron had converted from A-1’s to F-5 jet fighters.

The May 1968 MACV plan called for the RVNAF to add another F-5 fighter squadron, four more A-37 squadrons, and 12 more helicopter squadrons. This was to be accomplished by 1970 or later.

The first VNAF fighter squadron began conversion to A-37 jets in Nov 1968, and the 524^th, 520^th and 516^th Squadrons were operational with A-37’s (54 on hand) in the Mar-Jul 1969 period.

By the end of 1969, four of the helicopter squadrons converted to UH-1, and squadron strength was to increase to 31 helicopters (23 transport and 8 armed gunships for escort) from 20. It was also proposed to raise eight new UH-1 squadrons and the first CH-47 squadron by the end of 1971. The CH-47 unit (237^th Squadron) received its equipment from a US CH-47 company and began training in Sep 1970. The final timetable for this increase in helicopter squadrons was the period Sep 1970—Mar 1971, and it was met. 15 UH-1 squadrons were operational by the end of 1971. A second CH-47 squadron was activated in 1972.

In fall 1969, 817^th Squadron took over c. 16 AC-47 aircraft from US units. The next gunship squadron (with AC-119) was active by the end of 1971, but formation date unknown.

By 1969 one of the two original transport squadrons had shifted from C-47 to C-119. The 421^st Transport Squadron, first C-123 unit, was activated 1 Apr 1971, the next on 1 Jul 1971 and the third on 1 Dec 1971. Each was formed with 16 aircraft. The first C-7 squadron was activated 1 Mar 1972, the next on 1 May 1972 and the final on 1 Jul 1972.[8]

Following the 1972 Easter offensive, 13 additional VNAF squadrons were authorized: two CH-47, three A-37, two C-130, and five F-5. Material was shipped from the U.S. in advance of unit activation.

In Aug 1972, the planned strength of the VNAF was 66 squadrons. Of these, 39 were operational, 12 were in training, and 15 were scheduled for activation. The final plan was for:

19 fighter squadrons (3 A-1 [@ 20], 10 A-37 [@ 24], 6 F-5 [@ 18])

3 gunship squadrons (AC-47 [16] and AC-119 [@ 15])

25 helicopter squadrons (21 UH-1 [@ 14] and 4 CH-47)

3 reconnaissance squadrons (using variants of C-47 and C-119)

5 transport squadrons (2 C-130 [@ 16], 3 C-7)

1 special air mission squadron

8 liaison squadrons

2 training squadrons

These may not have all become, or remained, operational. In some cases, equipment had been received in excess of trained pilots or ground establishments. There were also maintenance problems. For example, by 1974 or early 1975, only about 4 to 8 of the 32 C-130 transports were available on any given day. Thus, it is unlikely that the squadron strengths shown reflected actual availability of aircraft.

RVN Navy

The Vietnamese Navy grew from 18,000 men in the fall of 1968 to 32,000 men at the end of 1970. By 1973 the Navy had 42,000 men and 1500 ships, boats and other craft.

The RVN Navy River Force began with naval assault divisions (“dinassaut”), on the French model, which were restyled River Assault Groups (RAG). The 21^st to 26^th were each organized with one commandement, one monitor, five armored LCMs, six armored LCVPs, and six patrol boats (19 vessels). The 27^th had one commandement, one monitor, six armored LCMs, and 10 river patrol craft. Each had about 150 personnel.

The commandement, or command boat, was a modified LCM [landing craft, medium], armed with two 20mm cannon, two .30 and two .50 caliber machine-guns, and one 81mm mortar.

A monitor was also a modified LCM, with one 40mm and two 20mm cannons, a .50 caliber machine-gun, and an 81mm mortar. The 40mm cannon was in a semi-enclosed turret in the front.

The basic armored LCM (LCM6) had three 20mm cannons and two .50 caliber machine-guns, along with a crew of seven. It could carry 120 troops or 32 tons of cargo.

The armored LCVP [landing craft, vehicle and personnel] had one 20mm cannon and three .30 caliber machine-guns. It could carry 36 troops or 3.5 tons of cargo.

The STCAN/FOM patrol boat (a French design) had a crew of eight, one .50 caliber and three .30 caliber machine-guns.

The river patrol craft (RPC) used in the 27^th RAG had two twin .50 caliber and one .30 caliber machine-gun, and could move at 14 knots as opposed to the 10 knots of the STCAN/FOM patrol boat.

The River Fore also included a River Transport Escort Group (RTEG) and a River Transport Group (RTG). The RTEG had four monitors, six STCAN/FOM patrol boats, and 20 armored LCVPs. The RTG had seven LCUs [landing craft, utility; a LCU had two 20mm cannon].

Additional craft were provided, so that by early 1968, six new RAGs (28^th – 33^rd) were formed, although with 11 rather than 19 craft. The 27^th RAG, however, was increased to 22 craft. The dispositions at that point were:

Unit Location[9]

21^st RAG	My Tho
22^nd RAG	Saigon
23^rd RAG	Vinh Long
24^th RAG	Tan An
25^th RAG	Can Tho
26^th RAG	Long Xuyen
27^th RAG	Saigon
28^th RAG	Saigon
29^th RAG	Can Tho
30^th RAG	Saigon
31^st RAG	Vinh Long
32^nd RAG	Long Xuyen	redeployed to Thau Thien (north of Hue) Jul 1968[10]
33^rd RAG	My Tho

River Patrol Group 51 was formed in Jun 1968, containing the first eight PBRs [patrol boat, river] turned over by the U.S. Navy; it was assigned duty on the Long Tau and Dong Nai rivers. A PBR, built of fiberglass, had a top speed of 25 knots and was armed with two .50 caliber machine-guns in the front and a .30 caliber machine-gun aft.

From 1968 to 1970, the RAGs were grouped into riverine assault interdiction divisions (RAIDs) and river patrol groups (RPGs). These forces continued to receive additional equipment, especially that used by departing U.S. Navy elements. By Dec 1970, for example, the USN transferred to Vietnam 293 PBRs and 224 riverine assault craft.

The South Vietnamese Navy also had a Sea Force (renamed 1 Jan 1966 as the Fleet Command). There were four naval zones, with a varying mix of patrol craft (PC), patrol motor gunboats, and coastal minesweepers (totals of seven, 48, and 12, respectively?), along with 12 motor launch minesweepers. The Sea Force also had five LSSLs [landing ship support, large] and six LSILs [landing ship infantry, large], of which two and five, respectively, were kept in Mekong waterways. Supply was handled by three LSTs [landing ship, tank] and seven LSMs.

An LSSL had a 3” gun, three twin 40mm guns, and four 20mm guns.

An LSIL could carry 12 tons of cargo or 76 troops, but was normally used for command and fire support on the rivers.

An LST carried eight 40mm guns.

With the redesignation to Fleet Command, the force was reorganized along functional lines. Flotilla I had Squadron 11 (submarine chasers [PC] and escorts), Squadron 13 (motor gunboats), Squadron 15 (LSSLs), and Squadron 17 (minesweepers). Flotilla II had squadrons 22 and 24 (landing ships, landing craft, coastal oilers, and other logistic support vessels). From 1965 to 1968 Fleet Command added three more LSSLs, eight PGMs, and 6 LCM(M)s.

There was also a Coastal Force, with a variety of motorized and un-motorized junks. This declined in use and strength over time.

Vietnamese Navy Operational Commands, Jul 1970

Task Fleet 21 (SEALORDS Operations)

Task Force 210	Special
Task Force 211	Amphibious
Task Force 212	Tran Hung Dao I
Task Force 213	Coastal
Task Force 214	Giant Slingshot
Task Force 215	Fleet Command
Task Force 216	Ready Deck
Task Force 217	4^th Riverine Area

Task Fleet 22 (Non-(SEALORDS Operations)

Task Force 221	1^st Coastal Zone
Task Force 222	2^nd Coastal Zone
Task Force 223	3^rd Coastal Zone
Task Force 224	4^th Coastal Zone
Task Force 225	3^rd Riverine Area
Task Force 226	4^th Riverine Area
Task Force 227	Rung Sat Special Zone
Task Force 228	Capital Military District

The departing U.S. Navy turned over many of its craft to the RVN Navy. River and patrol craft in the RVN Navy included:

26 Coast Guard patrol boats (WPB)[11]

108 Swift inshore coastal patrol boats[12]

293 river patrol boats (PBR)[13]

84 assault support patrol boats (ASPB)[14]

42 monitors Mk 5 [built as such in 1969][15]

22 monitors [modified LCM 6]

100 armored troop carriers [modified LCM 6][16]

8 command and control boats (CCB)[17]

27 river patrol craft

Other vessels included:

1 DER radar picket (twin 76.2mm guns, two 81mm mortars, two 12.7mm machine guns) transferred Sep 1971

1 ex USCG vessel (127mm gun, two 81mm mortars) transferred 1971

2 fleet minesweepers[18] (twin 57mm AA, twin 37mm AA, three twin 23mm AA) transferred 1962 and Jun 1970

18 PGM patrol boats (40mm AA, two twin 20mm AA, two twin 12.7mm machine guns)

1 or more fire-support gunboats (LSSL [landing ship support, large])[19]

8 MSB-5 minesweeping boats transferred 1970

8 MSR riverine minesweepers built 1970 (mine warfare version of ASPB)

8 river minesweepers (MSM: minesweeping monitor)[20] transferred 1970

3 LST’s transferred 1962, Jul 1969 and Apr 1970 (twin 40mm AA, 4/5 20mm AA, four .50-caliber machine guns)

14 LCU 1466-class (two twin 20mm AA; 167-ton cargo capacity) transferred 1954-70

1 LCU 501 class (two twin 20mm AA; 150-ton cargo capacity) transferred 1955