In early 1971, US Army Captain Stuart Herrington arrived in Vietnam to serve as a Phoenix/Phụng Hoàng counter-intelligence program advisor. Post-War, he described his arrival and allotment to the program:

“Three days in Saigon convinced me that I didn’t want to draw an assignment there. The city was filthy, overcrowded, hectic, and overrun with hustlers of all types. You name the negative modifier, it fit Saigon in early 1971. Not even the graffiti on the latrine walls at the reception centre could dampen my enthusiasm for getting out of Saigon – the sooner the better. … (a pejorative on the Vietnamese and their flag has been omitted from this text) … .  I (Herrington) had a game plan to get a good assignment, if indeed there was such a thing in Vietnam. A friend of mine had just returned from a tour in Phuoc Tuy, a coastal province southeast of Saigon best known for its resort town of Vung Tau. He had described duty in Phuoc Tuy in glowing term – silver beaches, giant lobsters, and not too many Vietcong. There was even a contingent of fun-loving Australians stationed in the province, and my friend told incredible tales of their non-military exploits. The plan was for me to go to the officer assignment folks at headquarters (in Saigon), rattle off a few words of Vietnamese, and Vung Tau, here I come. It didn’t work. The sergeant in the assignments branch merely laughed as he explained that Phuoc Tuy province would not hold all of the men who had volunteered to go there in the defense of democracy. The best I was able to do was to wrangle orders to Military Region III, the area around Saigon. I was to report the following morning to Bien Hoa city, a few miles north of Saigon, for an interview with a colonel who would decide where I would actually be assigned.” Captain Herrington was assigned to the Phoenix/Phụng Hoàng program in Hậu Nghĩa Province (40km west of Saigon via Route 22, bordering Cambodia) until late 1972.

1. Chamberlain Endnote: Phước Tuy was not an “operational backwater” in 1971 – with 1 ATF engaging the 274^thVC Regiment and the 33^rdNVA Regiment in the north of the Province (eg: Operations Phối Hợp, Overlord, Ivanhoe – and the Battle of Núi Lê etc).

ED: Thanks Ernie.

Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has been denied the opportunity to compete in the Paris Olympic Games after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against her case challenging World Aquatics’ eligibility rules. The court’s decision confirms that individuals who have undergone male puberty cannot compete in the female category.

Thomas, 25, sought to overturn World Aquatics’ regulations, arguing they unfairly barred her from competing. However, the court ruled she lacked the standing to challenge the policy, as she was not a member of USA Swimming, an affiliated organization of World Aquatics.

British swimming champion Sharron Davies expressed support for the decision, stating: “No elite female athlete will have to lose out to this mediocre 6’4″ male swimmer.” Former US swimmer Valentina Gomez echoed this sentiment, celebrating the protection of women’s sports.

Thomas, who transitioned after competing in men’s events, became a trans woman and won the female 500m NCAA college title in March 2022, igniting controversy. An ongoing legal case involves 16 US women claiming the National Collegiate Athletics Association institutionalized discrimination by allowing Thomas to compete.

World Aquatics emphasized the importance of fairness and equal opportunities, stating the ruling is a significant step forward in protecting women’s sports. The court concluded that Thomas was not entitled to participate in elite events under USA Swimming Policy, and thus could not engage with eligibility requirements for World Aquatics competitions.

This decision reinforces the importance of maintaining fairness in women’s sports while upholding the integrity of competition standards.

The US is facing a new challenge: potential terrorism links within its borders.

The United States has taken decisive action against eight Tajikistan nationals residing in the country. Following the discovery of potential ties to terrorism, federal agents quickly arrested the individuals in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.

• Initially, no red flags were raised when they entered the US via the wide-open Southern border with Mexico.
• However, subsequent investigations revealed possible connections to ISIS members overseas.

This operation was a coordinated effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI’s joint terrorism task forces. The individuals are now detained, awaiting removal proceedings.

• Public and partner bulletins have indicated a heightened threat environment in the US.
• The decision to expel the eight was made to prevent the risk of a potential plot unfolding on American soil.

While investigators do not believe these individuals received training abroad, the arrests have raised serious concerns.

• Those arrested had expressed extremist rhetoric.
• The extent of the association of the others with the group remains unclear, highlighting the complexities of counterterrorism efforts.

Under President Biden’s administration, the open border policies have led to a significant increase in illegal immigration. Critics argue that these policies have compromised national security and strained resources at the border. The relaxed enforcement and welcoming rhetoric are seen as invitations for migrants to cross into the United States without proper documentation, creating a chaotic and unsustainable situation that is placing the country at risk.

The 3rd Brigade have been digging in and establishing a defensive position around the underground command post during Exercise Brolga Run. Establishing a defensive position during military operations is crucial for several reasons:

1. Protection and Survival

Digging in provides cover and concealment, reducing the vulnerability of soldiers to enemy fire and artillery. It enhances the physical protection of personnel from shrapnel, small arms fire, and other battlefield hazards.

2. Force Multiplication

A well-prepared defensive position can enable a smaller force to hold off a larger enemy force. Defensive fortifications, such as trenches, bunkers, and barriers, enhance the combat effectiveness of the defending troops, making it difficult for the enemy to advance.

3. Time for Reinforcement and Resupply

Establishing a strong defensive position buys time for reinforcements to arrive and for supplies to be delivered.

4. Psychological Advantage

A secure defensive position boosts the morale and confidence of defending troops.

5. Strategic and Tactical Control

Controlling key terrain through defensive positions can deny the enemy access to important areas, routes, and resources. It also allows the defending force to control the battlefield environment, dictating the terms of engagement.

6. Preparation for Counteroffensive

A strong defensive position can serve as a staging ground for launching counteroffensives. It provides a stable base from which to regroup, plan, and launch attacks on the enemy.

7. Coordination and Communication

Defensive positions allow for better coordination and communication within the defending force. Establishing a secure area ensures that command and control elements can function effectively, facilitating strategic planning and execution.

8. Disruption of Enemy Plans

A well-established defensive position can disrupt enemy operations, forcing them to change their plans, redirect resources, and potentially make tactical errors. This can provide the defending force with opportunities to exploit enemy weaknesses.

In summary, digging in and establishing a defensive position is a fundamental military tactic that enhances protection, increases combat effectiveness, and provides strategic advantages, all of which are essential for the success and survival of military operations.

Instinct kicked in when Private Tony Stewart and his fellow soldiers were engaged in the Battle for Coral, in Vietnam, 1968. It was the most horrific battle he would take part in but this is what Stewart was trained for and he know he had his mates there to look after him.

In this fascinating video for aviation enthusiasts and new aircraft engines, we cover the new, revolutionary engine from Rolls Royce – the F130 Dual Pod Engine for the B-52! It’s a dual engine that hasn’t been updated in over 70 years! We’ll talk in detail about the specifications, aircraft, aviation, and how this engine will change aviation forever. This is really something new for aviation, as this engine is scheduled to be used as far back as 2050 and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. government. So if you are a fan of aviation, be sure to watch the video to the end and you will learn many facts about aviation, airplanes and airplane engines.

On July 3, 1976 Israel launched the most daring, complicated, long range, logistically challenging and political volatile hostage rescue in history. The raid made history in more ways than one, and proved to the world the lengths that Israel would go to rescue its citizens. Hosted by Colin D. Heaton. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.

On this day at 1830 hours 28 years ago, during night training operations in the High Range Training Area (HRTA), two Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawks, designated A25-209 and A25-113, collided at a speed of 200 km/h while conducting low-flying tactical operations. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 15 members of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and 3 members of the 5th Aviation Regiment. It stands as one of the most devastating peacetime disasters ever to impact the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The collision and subsequent crash of these helicopters had a profound effect on the ADF and the nation as a whole. Many stories of heroism emerged from that fateful evening, highlighting the bravery and dedication of those involved. However, the heartbreaking reality remains that we lost 18 of our finest servicemen that night. Their sacrifice is a sombre reminder of the inherent risks faced by military personnel, even during training exercises.

The loss of these 18 soldiers is deeply felt within the ADF and the broader Australian community. Their commitment to their duty and their ultimate sacrifice serves as a poignant testament to the dangers associated with military service. The incident has had lasting implications, prompting reviews and changes in training protocols to enhance safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.

As we remember this day, we honour the memory of those who perished and acknowledge the enduring impact of their loss on their families, comrades, and the nation. Their legacy of service and courage continues to inspire and remind us of the profound cost of maintaining our defence capabilities.

LEST WE FORGET