Australians train Vietnamese DPR/TV/1117

An Australian programme of refresher training for soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam is now under way. The 2nd/48th ARVN Battalion, the first of three battalions to undertake the six week course, has already improved its operational capabilities and combat effectiveness under Charlie Company of the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. The training is taking place around Horseshoe Hill an Australian held strongpoint south of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat. Charlie Company soldiers acting as instructors have no great problem being understood as ten interpreters are working with them. The emphasis in training is on minor infantry tactics and the flat rice paddies below the Horseshoe are ideal for such things as contact drills. These soldiers practice how to react when they are shot at. They race to take up fire positions in one of the paddies. The Australians watch carefully and correct the mistakes being made. It is pointed out that in this type of reaction movement they must spread out or present prefect targets to the enemy. Moving in an extended line to clear the enemy from their position follows on and when an enemy is captured, in this instance an Australian instructor, the student soldiers are taught how to frisk him.