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Last date/time page edited
01/01/16 12:36
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2nd Battalion 60th Infantry
RECONDO
GO DEVILS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| SECTION II | |
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2-4 |
| SECTION III | |
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5 |
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6 |
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6-7 |
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9-10 |
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11 |
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11-14 |
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14-15 |
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16-17 |
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21-22 |
SECTION I
RECONDO GO-DEVILS
In May 1968, the Go-Devil Battalion joined the 1st Recondo Brigade. The 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, noted for its ability to close with and destroy the enemy and its knack for taking the "night" away from the Viet Cong with extensive nighttime operations was right at home with the Recondo Brigade.
Intensive search and destroy missions coupled with numerous successful engagements soon earned the Battalion the nickname of "Recondo Go-Devils".
The success of the 1st Recondo Brigade may definitely be credited with success of the Recondo Go-Devil Battalion.
SECTION II
History of the 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry
This section is part of the battalion policy SOP. However, it is out of
date and doesn't include the unit history after May 1968. To see the complete 2/60th
Infantry history see the lineage and honors page on this web site.
SECTION III
BATTALION POLICY
The information offered on the following
pages is of a general nature. It is provided
to insure all personnel are aware of Battalion
policy and to preclude misunderstandings
SUBSECTION A
R&R LEAVES AND PASSES
It is the intent and desire of the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, that every member of the command take full advantage of the Army's liberal program concerning R&R, leaves and passes.
1. R&R
The present policy affords each member of the unit one R&R while in Vietnam. The following list denotes the areas where R&R is authorized:
HAWAII JAPAN PHILIPPINES
AUSTRALIA
Hong
Kong
SINGAPORE
TAIWAN
2. Leaves:
In addition to R&R, one seven (7) day leave may be granted while serving in Vietnam. It is necessary in some cases for an individual to obtain either a passport or a visa. The following is a list of areas authorized for leave:
COUNTRY |
PASSPORT | VISA |
Hong Kong |
Yes | Yes |
Japan No No
Korea Yes Yes
Malaysia Yes Yes
Okinawa No No
Philippines No No
Singapore Yes Yes
Thailand Yes Yes
SUBSECTION B
PROMOTION
1. Grades E-1 through E-4:
a. Promotion to the grade of E-2 is automatic after four (4) months in grade.
b. Promotion to PFC (E3) is not automatic. However, because this promotion does net involve a quota system, a company commander can promote personnel to PFC when the individual has four months in grade. The promotion to PFC is dependent upon performance
c. Promotions to grade of E4 are allocated by a quota system.
Therefore the size of the allocation determines the number of promotions. Current Army
regulations require six months in grade, but a Company Commander can waiver three
months time in the case of an outstanding PFC.
2. Non Commissioned Officer Grades:
a. All promotions to E-5 or above are based upon Department of the Army allocations. The allocations are based upon the needs of the service. Minimum time in grade requirements are as follows -
(1) E-5 - 8 Months - (average time in service - 15 mos)
(2) E-6 -10 Months - (average time in service - 3 yrs)
(3) E-7 -12 Months - (average time in service - 7 yrs)
b. Prior to promotion into the non-commissioned officer grades, an individual must prove that he is capable of carrying out the duties of the next higher grade.
c. Because of the need for fully qualified non-commissioned officers, all nominees far promotion to or within the rank of the non-commissioned officer corps, must appear before a board. Only those best qualified are selected. The following offers some guidance on the factors considered:
(1) Education (all personnel in grades E-4 through E-9) must possess a high school education or its equivalent).
(2) Time in Grade.
(3) Time in Service.
(4) Disciplinary Record.
(5) Awards.
(6) Military Knowledge and Bearing.
(7) Unit Commanders
Recommendation.
d. Any individual aspiring to be an NCO
should start immediately to insure that full qualification is reached and maintained. The
promotion picture changes from time to time and occasionally certain MOS's are frozen and
allocations may vary. When an MOS is frozen, it doesn't necessarily mean an individual is
barred from promotion. On the contrary, the 9th Infantry Division encourages maximum
waiver of frozen MOS's. For these reasons no definite time factor can be established for
promotion. However, for the man who excels in the aforementioned areas the 60th Infantry
offers each of its men a fine promotional system.
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SUBSECTION C
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
1. In an organization as large as the United States Army, there are going to be problems, complaints and grievances from time to time. If you consider your situation legitimate, do not hesitate going to your immediate superior and explaining your problem. If the results at this level are unsatisfactory, request permission to see the next higher member of the chain of command.
2. If your problem is such that it cannot be solved on squad or platoon level, see your company commander concerning the problem. Every company commander in the battalion has an "open door policy" which allows any member of the respective unit to see him in private providing the situation allows the time (i.e., field operations). Your 1SG can give you guidance on the time period allowed for seeing your company commander.
3. The a situation where the nature of your problem is serious enough, you may discuss it with the Battalion Inspector General's Representative. You should request permission from your company commander to see him. He in turn will schedule an appointment for you.
4. Any individual requesting permission to see the Inspector General will be allowed to
do so. It should be pointed out that there are few problems which cannot be solved at
company level, and in most cases squad level, if the individual will simply make others
aware of his problem.
SUBSECTION D
UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
1. TAN TRU BASE CAMP: While in the Base Camp there are rather stringent regulations governing the wearing of the uniform. Each individual will find it advantageous to abide by the following guidance:
a. Haircuts - Haircuts must be neatly trimmed and combed at all times.
b. Insignia - Name tag, rank, 9th Infantry Division patch and other necessary insignias are required to be properly affixed to the uniform while in Base Camp.
c. Boots- A light coat of wax not only makes the boot handsome but offers protection to the leather. It is also required that The trousers be bloused properly while in Base Camp.
d. Clothing - Shorts, which are an issue item, are permitted within the base
camp area. It is not necessary to wear the fatigue jackets unless guidance to
the contrary is given. In addition shower shoes are permitted to afford the feet
an opportunity to air dry
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fatigue Jackets unless guidance to the contrary is given. In addition shower shoes are permitted to afford the feet an opportunity to air dry
2. Field uniform - Traditionally the 60th Infantry has prided itself in its fine soldiers and their outstanding fighting ability. In order to enhance the fighting capability of each individual soldier, the following uniform is required while operating in the field:
a. Pistol Belt
b. First-aid Packet
c. Two (2) ammo pouches
d. Suspenders
e. Minimum of two (2) canteens
f. Steel Pot, w/camouflage cover, w/Go Devil Insignia affixed.
g. Snaplink w/8 to 10 feet of rope affixed
h. Individual weapon.
i. Boots properly bloused.
SUBSECTION E
FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT TAN TRU BASE CAMP
1. In the Base Camp we have a laundry operated by the Vietnamese. The laundry accepts MPC not Piasters It is suggested that when utilizing the laundry a careful check of your laundry slip be made to injure that the number of articles checked corresponds with the same number turned in to the laundry. All complaints about the laundry service should be directed to the S-1 since the language barrier may cause misunderstanding with the Vietnamese Nationals, and certain hostilities may result.
2. The base camp also maintains an NCO and EM Club. These clubs are stocked and served from funds received from the individuals who use them. Take care of the facilities, they are yours.
3. From time to tine as the situation permits (i. e., Field Operations), the battalion has USO shows for your enjoyment. These shows feature such entertainment as popular and rock and roll music, dancing girls and singers.
4. The base camp also has its own PX, unique in the Delta, stocking items such as cigarettes, peanuts, assorted goodies, cases of beer and soda. On order the PX can obtain items such as cameras, tape recorders, phonographs, televisions, and ice boxes. It is suggested, however, these items be kept to a minimum due to the weather and tactical situation.
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5. Postal Information: The postal services available at Tan Tru Base Camp are considered more than adequate considering the location and the tactical situation
a. Each unit has its own Postal Clerk and operates a mail room. Mail is delivered once a day, usually in the afternoon, and is distributed to the respective companies accordingly.
b. a good rule to follow when utilizing the postal service is as follows:
(1) all film and packages must be paid for when mailed.
(2) Letters and tapes are delivered to the United States free of charge.
c. Approximately once a month Money Order and Package Teams come to Tan Tru to accept packages and make out money orders for those who desire their service.
SUBSECTION F
SAFETY
Due to the battalions operational situation and because weapons and explosives are constantly in use, it is imperative to maintain a "safety conscious" attitude. Each individual must be aware of the responsibility of handling these weapons, and take proper steps toward insuring against accidents. To preclude accidents the following policies must be adhered to very carefully:
1. Clear all weapons before entering Base Camp.
2. Insure all grenades are secured properly to your gear.
3. Insure all safety pins are properly bent on each grenade.
4. When on operations and not in contact insure that your weapon is placed in the "SAFE" position.
SUBSECTION G
COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE
While the companies are in Base Camp, each individual is instructed to render proper respect and courtesy to those of whom it is required, (i.e., hand salute and proper greeting). It is a good reminder here that all personnel in leadership positions have proven themselves in combat and therefore deserve respect.
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SUBSECTION H
RELIGIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The battalion maintains its own Chapel within the base camp area. The Battalion Chaplain has made the Chapel available 24 hours a day for those individuals who desire to pray or meditate alone.
Services are scheduled as follows:
Daily Services ----------1250 hours
Sunday Services
Protestants-----------1200 hours
Catholic Mass---------Time is announced by Brigade Chaplain
The Battalion Chaplain offers an open door policy for counseling purposes.
SUBSECTION I
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
1. DECORATIONS SYSTEM:
a. The primary purpose of the decorations system in to provide tangible evidence of public recognition of acts of heroism performed and valuable services rendered. Awards of decorations, when properly utilized, are potent incentives to greater effort and are instrumental in building and maintaining morale.
b. Decorations Principled
(1) No deserving act should go unrewarded
(2) No decoration should be awarded which has not been earned
(3) Where more than one person participates in an act which is rewarded, each participant should be rewarded in proportion to the extent of that person’s participation.
c. Authorized Military Decorations.
(1) The following decorations are authorized as awards for heroism in combat:
(a) Medal of Honor "The Medal of Honor is awarded, in the name of Congress to each person who, while an officer or enlisted person of the Army, shall have distinguished himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond call of duty in action involving actual conflict with an enemy". Established in 1862.
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(b) The Distinguished Service Cross "The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Army of the United States, shall have distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operation against an armed enemy. Established in 1918.
(c) Silver Star "The Silver Star is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, has distinguished himself or herself by gallantry in action not warranting the award of the Medal of Honor or the Distinguished Service Cross" Established in 1918.
(d) The Distinguished Flying Cross "The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the-United States, shall have distinguished himself or herself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating aerial flight" Established in 1926.
(e) Bronze-Star Medal (with "V") "The Bronze Star Metal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States, on or after 7 December 1941, shall have distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, Connection with military operations against an armed enemy". The letter "V" device is worn on the Suspension and service ribbons to denote an award has been made for heroism.
(f) Army Commendation Medal (with "V") "The Army Commendation Modal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service". The act of heroism performed shall have been under circumstances which are of lesser degree than required for award for the Bronze Star Medal The totter van device is worn to denote an award has been received for heroism, if awarded for that purpose, on or after 9 February 1964.
(g) Air Medal (with "V") "The Air Medal is awarded to any person who while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States, shall have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement While participating in aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or sustained operational activities against an armed enemy, or for heroism not involving combat The letter "V" device is worn on the suspension and service ribbons to denote an award has been made for heroism, if awarded for this purpose on or after 29 February 1964.
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John Weiss provided the Policy SOP.
