22D DIVISION
1ST QUARTER 1969 ASSESSMENT


General: Enemy incidents increased sharply over the previous quarter. Mostly, they were in the form of assaults and harassment. Whereas during the previous quarter most of the incidents were initiated at night, during this reporting period they were mostly initiated in daytime. The number of enemy battalions in the area remained constant. Regional and Popular Forces per 1000 population are average for unit tactical areas. The division training center provides leadership training for ARVN/RF company commanders and executive officers. Percent of population relatively secure in the DTA increased by 10.2 percent -- to 85.7 percent.

Effort: The 22d Division spent more time on combat operations than any other division in the country during the period. Time spent supporting pacification amounted to only about 10 percent of the total available battalion days. This is due to a II Corps directive which releases regular forces from pacification and employs RF and PF instead. Countrywide, the 22d Division spent the least time on security.

Results: The highest number of contacts per battalion in the Corps were made in this division, and the number of enemy KIA nearly tripled from the previous quarter.

Trends: Operational effectiveness, leadership, and combat support received have all improved. Increased assumption of pacification and territorial security responsibility by the RF/PF has enabled the 22d Division to free more of its battalions to conduct sustained mobile offensive operations. Increased US support, and its employment on combined operations have improved mobility and the ability to interdict enemy movements.

US ARMY ADVISORY GROUP, IICTZ

generalhieu