Page:Airmobility 1961-1971.pdf/226
over a new area of operation. This proposed move, which was in response to a growing threat in the south, meant that the remaining forces in I Corps Tactical Zone would have to rapidly readjust their positions to assume the large area of responsibility of the 1st Cavalry Division so that no vacuum would be left into which the enemy could infiltrate. Speed was of the essence and planning time would be at a minimum.
On 27 October General Forsythe, accompanied by four key staff members, departed Camp Evans and arrived at Headquarters II Field Force Vietnam at approximately 2230. The group was briefed by their equivalent members of the staff of Lieutenant General Walter T. Kerwin, Jr., Commanding General, II Field Force, Vietnam. The initial meeting determined that the move would begin on the 28th by air and sea with one brigade closing by 2 November. The 1st Cavalry staff members furnished II Field Force Vietnam planners the division's estimated daily consumption of supplies and fuel, and estimated exactly when and where these supplies would be needed during and after the move. Aircraft density and type and ground equipment density by type had to be determined as of the time of move and hasty decisions made as to what would go by air and what would go by sea. A freeze was established on all major personnel changes until further notice.
On the following day the groups met with Lieutenant General Frank T. Mildren, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Vietnam, and members of his staff. During this meeting, important decisions were made concerning the disposition of the aviation units, engineer effort for revetments and storage facilities, and time phasing for the brigades of the Division to begin operations in their new area. Also, it was determined that the Division base would be located at Phuoc Vinh and the Division Support Headquarters would be located at Bien Hoa. A temporary Forward Command Post would be established at Long Binh for a period not to exceed two weeks.
Many different agencies and all Services had to participate in the planning at a very early stage. The Air Force would have to know the number of C-130 sorties required against the maximum sorties per day available. The Navy needed to know the size and quantity of equipment to be moved by sea and where it would embark and debark. They would then determine the shipping that could be made available for the move. The Movement Control Center, Saigon Support Command, the 1st Logistical Command, and the 1st Aviation Brigade were brought into the planning during the next day.