Massive planning task DPR/TV/1485

Army Headquarters Canberra - nerve centre for Operation Interfuse. Interfuse...that was the codeword the Army allotted to its biggest movement of men and equipment since World War Two - the withdrawal from Vietnam. The complex planning of Interfuse, involving the movement of nearly six thousand troops and many thousands of tons of stores and war equipment, took place in these offices and planning rooms. In rooms like these, the daily running of Operation Interfuse meant hour by hour checking of hundreds of details and schedules to ensure the withdrawal went smoothly. Behind the scenes, teams of highly skilled officers and specialists worked out movements in close liaison with the Navy, Air Force, and civil air and shipping services. Conferences and briefing sessions were a never-ending necessity as decisions were taken on how and where returning troops and equipment were to be accommodated and detailed preparations were made to implement the decisions. There were literally a million things to think of and plan for. Everything from fifty-two-ton Centurion tanks, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft, down to the last ration pack and rifle bullet, had to be considered, and the method and timing of its return fitted into the overall plan. The whole project appeared to be a giant military jigsaw puzzle. But all went smoothly. This week, the final groups returned from Vietnam - and for Army Headquarters, another big planning job was over.