HEADQUARTERS, 2D BRIGADE, 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION

"HIGHLANDERS"

APO San Francisco 96262

AVDDB-C0                                                                                                                                                 25 April 1970

Mr. Frank Camper

Birmingham, Alabama 35218

    Dear Mr, Camper:

        Thank you for your interesting letter concerning your assignment

with the 2d Brigade LRRP platoon. The following is an attempt at

answering your question of how the outfit is doing at present and your

letter is being forwarded to the CO of the Ranger Company for any

comments he may have.

    On 6 October 1969, LRRP activities within the Division were

reorganized to more efficiently use available LRRP assets. Prior to

this LRRP activities were divided between the Division controlled

Company K (Ranger) 75th Infantry and the brigade controlled

LRRP platoons. This organization produced duplication of effort and

increased requirements for assets, both men and material. Neither the

brigade nor the Division had the capability to monitor a large target

area without difficulty with command communication and reporting.

    After the reorganization was completed, the brigade LRRP platoons

were absorbed into Company K, 75th infantry under the operational

control of the Division G3. The centralization of LRRP assets is now

being tested. Early indications are that the reorganization has resulted

in a much improved 75th Infantry.

    The most effective employment of Rangers is one in which a large

number of teams are deployed in a given area to screen an enemy

route of approach or withdrawal. An example of this employment

occurred in early October when the 2d Brigade was withdrawn from its

AO northeast of Pleiku, a 12-team LRRP platoon, with a platoon leader

and control team, was deployed to PLEI MRONG and staged out of the

Special Forces camp there. An average of eight teams were operational

at all times, screening the mountain range west of PLEI MRONG, with

the other four used as a rotational back-up for standdown and further

patrol preparation. When the 24th NVA Regiment began its move

eastward toward Highway 19 on 12 October, its movement was reported

by screen, and for four days the enemy was subjected to direct artillery

and air strikes, and lost twelve men to ground contact with Ranger teams.

Given early warning, the 4th Division had moved a mechanized battalion

into the PLEI MRONG area by the time the 24th Regiment emerged

from the mountains. In a series of contacts the enemy lost over 100 men

KIA and his offense was preempted.

    I hope I have answered your questions. Good luck on the publication

of your book, "LRRP".   

     Sincerely,

    William E. Conger Jr.

    Colonel, Infantry

    Commanding