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requisitioning systems would occur in common items, but the resultant responsive support warranted this approach. The next problem was to determine where the group should be placed in the overall command structure. Assignment to the Aviation Brigade would place it under the control of the operator for the highest aircraft density. However, this would reduce the probability of equitable support to divisional units and non-divisional-non-Aviation Brigade units such as signal and engineers. The assignment of the group to the 1st Logistical Command had the major advantage of concentrating logistical support under a single commander who would answer to the U.S. Army, Vietnam, G-4. The last alternative, having the group respond directly to U.S. Army, Vietnam, with no intervening layer, seemed in line with the critical nature of aviation assets.

The above alternatives were presented to General Norton and his staff by the ad hoc committee in September 1965 with a recommendation to adopt the separate group structure and have it report directly to U.S. Army, Vietnam. General Norton accepted the recommendation and directed implementation of the plan.

Recommendations for a management structure to provide aircraft support from a single-point, in-theater, aircraft repair parts inventory control evolved into the Aviation Material Management Center concept. The Aviation Material Management Center Tables of distributions and allowances and the Combat Development Command Transportation Agency's proposed Table of Organization and Equipment for the General Support Group were forwarded for approval. U.S. Army Vietnam directed formation of a provisional group headquarters in November 1965. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis became the Group's commander and, using the assets of the old U.S. Army Support Command Aviation Detachment and the Aviation Supply Point, formed a skeleton staff. Personnel and equipment resource requirements were levied on the 14th and 765th Transportation Battalions to provide a minimal functional base.

The formal approval authorized the proper staffing of the headquarters but gave no relief in the critical day-to-day management requirements to expand the old Army Supply Point and establish a separate inventory control center to support the fast-growing aircraft fleet. The Supply Division of Group Headquarters performed this function until more help arrived. The 241st Transportation Company (Depot) arrived in February 1966, giving the Aviation Material Management Center the capability of operating new depots. In April the 58th Transportation Battalion arrived