Mission Order: 716th Military Police Battalion

Date/Time Group: 27 January 1968 / 1800 hrs - 0500H

Weather: Overcast 2000H, Clear 2400H+

Location: Saigon, South Vietnam

1. SITUATION

• Enemy Forces: Intelligence reports suggest the possibility of a Viet Cong (VC) attack during the upcoming Tet holiday. However, upper command has assessed this threat as minimal due to the pacification of 90% of enemy forces in the region. The ceasefire between the Army and the Viet Cong remains in effect. Despite these reports, a potential attack cannot be completely ruled out.

• Friendly Forces: The 716th Military Police Battalion is responsible for conducting security operations in and around Saigon. To strengthen security, elements of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade stationed at Pleiku Airbase are being temporarily attached to your unit, with a focus on securing critical locations, including the U.S. Embassy. Most ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) and U.S. forces are on leave for the holiday, and garrison manpower is limited but sufficient to maintain key checkpoints.

• Attachments and Detachments: 199th Light Infantry Brigade is attached for increased security, particularly around the U.S. Embassy. Quick Reaction Forces (QRF) from FOB Ban Me Thuot and FOB Ho Ngoc Tao are on standby, though both FOBs are only manned with garrison-level troops.

2. MISSION

The 716th Military Police Battalion, with attached elements from the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, will conduct security operations and establish checkpoints throughout Saigon to ensure the safety of the city during the Tet holiday. Particular attention will be given to securing the U.S. Embassy and other critical infrastructure. This mission is routine, but all units will remain on alert for any potential enemy action.

3. EXECUTION

• Commander’s Intent: Ensure Saigon remains secure during the Tet holiday through active patrolling, manning of checkpoints, and increased security around key installations, particularly the U.S. Embassy. While the threat of an attack is considered low, maintain a high level of readiness and respond immediately to any indications of hostile activity.

• Concept of Operations:

• Phase 1: Establish routine checkpoints at designated locations throughout Saigon by 2000 hrs, 28 January 1968. While the CIA links up with the informant
• Phase 2: Conduct random patrols within the city to deter any potential insurgent activity.
• Phase 3: Reinforce security around high-priority locations, including the U.S. Embassy,
  199th Light Infantry Brigade will focus on securing the embassy .

• Tasks to Subordinate Units:

• 716th Military Police Battalion: Maintain checkpoint operations and respond to any incidents or intelligence reports of suspicious activity.

• 199th Light Infantry Brigade: Reinforce security at the U.S. Embassy and provide additional manpower for checkpoints around Saigon

• CIA: Regroup with the informant named Dong Long and gather information about a potential attack on Hue city and Saigon

• Coordinating Instructions: Ensure all personnel are briefed on potential enemy infiltration tactics. While the ceasefire is in effect, remain vigilant. FOB Ban Me Thuot and FOB Ho Ngoc Tao will serve as QRF locations and will be mobilized in the event of an emergency.

4. SERVICE SUPPORT

• Logistics: Supply status is adequate. Regular resupply will continue from Tan Son Nhut Airbase. Ammunition and water will be distributed to all checkpoint locations.

• Bullets: Any assets within vicinity or within your respective FOB’s is authorized as asset or equipment of your use
-Dagger: (All are MP Vehicles) 2x Armored m60 Jeeps, 4x M2 Jeep, 2x Covered,2x Non Covered, 1x m134 mule, 4x Closed Trucks, 2x Ammo trucks
-Rook: 2x M134 ACAV M113, 2x M2 M113, 2x M60 M113, 1x AIO M113,2x M134 Gun Trucks
-Warhammer: 2x M113 M29 mortar
-ACP: 2x M41 Walker Bulldog,2x M113 M2/M40(SPG)
-ACE: 4x F4-C Phantom II, 2x AC-47h Guns A-go-go,3x Cobra,3x UH-1H Gunship,2x UH-1H Slick
Panther: 4x Sedan

• Medical Evacuation: Casualty evacuation will be provided through medical teams stationed at Pleiku Airbase. Priority will be given to serious injuries.

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL

• Command: Battalion Headquarters will be stationed at the Military Police HQ in central Saigon. Commanding Officer (CO) will maintain operational control of all attached units.

• Signal: Primary communications will be on the Battalion frequency
Call signs: 716th MP - “Shield,” 199th Light Infantry Brigade - “Lion.” In the event of radio failure, runners will be utilized to maintain communication.

Acknowledgement Instructions: All units are to confirm receipt of this order by 0500 hrs, 28 January 1968.