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We benefited from this operation in that we faced our close air support problems at last in practice, rather than in theory. The FAC's gained experience—just as in your profession—the classroom is a far cry from actually delivering weapons in close proximity to friendly troops... We have uncovered a number of in-house problems which we are busily engaged in correcting. On the strength of what we have learned, we can promise you far better air support in the future.
Lieutenant Colonel Lee E. Surut, Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 319th Artillery, closed the critique on a wry note: "Gentlemen, we are rapidly approaching the time when the critiques will be as long as the exercises. Once again the artillery lent dignity to what would otherwise have been a vulgar brawl... The artillery fired 4,857 rounds of 105mm ammunition during the four-day exercise... The Artillery put a lot of bullets on the target and accounted for significant destruction and VC casualties."
Aviation Support
The early experience of the 173d Airborne Brigade pointed out some of the advantages of attached airmobility. During its first three months in Vietnam the brigade was supported by the 145th Aviation Battalion. In September, a helicopter company was attached and collocated. Aviation support by attached aviation was so much better than support on a mission basis that the brigade staff was highly laudatory of the aviation company and the advantages of attachment.
A study of this relationship was made by the Combat Developments Command during this period. The study concluded:
The cohesiveness and teamwork developed between the supported and supporting units is extremely important. The aviation company is attached to the brigade, lives with the brigade, and works with the brigade on a daily basis. They are a part of the brigade. This unit can move a battalion anywhere in the TAOR in two hours. It would take two or three times as long if you had to go to an aviation unit outside the brigade. This closeness and cohesiveness between the brigade and the aviation company has been achieved through constant practice and improvement of airmobile techniques. Teamwork is the key word.
Furthermore, effectiveness of the attached company increased appreciably. After attachment and collocation, the total sorties flown per month by the aviation company increased 24 percent, the number of combat sorties increased 165 percent, and the average tonnage carried per month increased 50 percent; while the average number of hours flown monthly per pilot decreased 24 percent and the average number of hours each aircraft was utilized decreased 23 percent. These data are based on a comparison of data developed over a six-month period, three months in support and three months attached.