In early 1954, a pivotal and intense battle unfolded at Dien Bien Phu, a remote valley in northern Vietnam. This battle was the culmination of a seven-year struggle between France and the communist-led Viet Minh, who sought to end colonial rule and establish an independent Vietnam. The conflict was part of a broader contest for the future of Southeast Asia during the Cold War, as Western powers and communist forces vied for influence in the region.

The French, underestimating the determination and military capability of the Viet Minh, chose Dien Bien Phu as the site to draw the enemy into a decisive engagement. Their plan was to lure the Viet Minh into a conventional battle, where French firepower would be decisive. However, the French grossly miscalculated. The Viet Minh, under the leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap, conducted an extraordinary logistical effort, hauling heavy artillery through difficult terrain to encircle the French forces.

The siege of Dien Bien Phu began in March 1954 and stretched over 55 brutal days. The French garrison, numbering around 13,000 troops, found themselves isolated and under constant bombardment. Despite desperate attempts to resupply the troops by air, the French forces were slowly overwhelmed. By May 7, 1954, the Viet Minh forces had overrun the French positions, forcing the French to surrender.

The defeat at Dien Bien Phu was catastrophic for France. It marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina, as the Geneva Accords were soon signed, leading to the partition of Vietnam. This defeat also marked a significant turning point in global geopolitics, pushing the United States to consider deeper involvement in Vietnam, setting the stage for the Vietnam War.

ED: It pays to check now and update where necessary.

Telstra and Optus have postponed their 3G network shutdowns to the end of October, following a parliamentary inquiry urging a delay. Telstra’s shutdown was initially set for August 31, while Optus planned to end 3G service in September. Both companies now plan to begin the shutdown on October 28.

The delay comes after a Senate inquiry highlighted that many devices still rely on 3G, including critical medical equipment, fire alarms, EFTPOS machines, and infrastructure systems. The inquiry warned that without a delay, the government might prohibit the shutdown until 4G coverage is assured to be on par with 3G.

Both telecom companies are using the additional time to increase public awareness, with a focus on getting customers to upgrade affected devices. Optus had previously estimated that over 100,000 customers might not act before the original shutdown dates, risking loss of service. The inquiry identified around 300,000 devices that could be impacted, particularly older phones that rely on 3G for emergency calls.

To ease the transition, Telstra has given away over 12,000 phones, and Optus has distributed around 20,000, also offering a $400 credit to postpaid customers to encourage upgrades. Despite these efforts, the companies acknowledged that some users might only act when the network actually shuts down.

In the Vietnam War, flying into the jungle produced a different kind of hazard. In a daring rescue mission, a desperate pilot cuts his own landing zone in forty-foot-tall bamboo. —

LAND 400APC Technology, a leading Australian manufacturer based in Adelaide, South Australia, has secured a significant contract to supply Generic Vehicle Architecture (ASGVA) displays for Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) as part of the Commonwealth’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program. This contract marks a major win for the Australian defence industry, positioning APC Technology as the sole domestic supplier of these critical GVA screens.

Australian Innovation and Expertise on Display

This contract is a testament to the growing self-sufficiency and innovation within Australia’s defence sector. APC Technology’s ASGVA screens, which are designed and manufactured to the Australian GVA standard, will be produced using a predominantly Australian supply chain. This not only supports local job creation but also strengthens Australia’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Craig Williams, Managing Director of APC Technology, expressed his pride in the company’s achievement: “This project is a testament to the world-class capabilities of Australian engineering and manufacturing. We are incredibly proud to partner with HDA and contribute to the LAND 400 Phase 3 program with our innovative GVA screen technology.”

Benefits for Australia and Hanwha Defence Australia

APC Technology’s selection as the sole GVA screen supplier offers several key benefits:

• Australian Industry Capability (AIC): By choosing an Australian supplier, HDA enhances the project’s sovereignty, reducing dependence on traditional European or American GVA screen providers.
• Long-Term Collaboration: APC Technology has been working closely with HDA since the company’s inception in 2019, ensuring a smooth transition to production and ongoing support throughout the program’s lifecycle.

Growth and Job Creation

The LAND 400 Phase 3 project is expected to spur significant growth for APC Technology and the broader Australian defence industry. The contract is projected to result in:

• Increased Design and Engineering Capacity: A dedicated team will be established to support the GVA screen program for the next three years, fostering long-term growth in design, engineering, and through-life support capabilities.
• Obsolescence Management: APC Technology will implement strategies to manage product obsolescence, ensuring the ongoing functionality and performance of the GVA screens throughout the program.
• Capability Upgrades: The design of the GVA screens will be adaptable to accommodate future upgrades required for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and other vehicles.
• Staff Expansion: APC Technology anticipates the creation of at least 10 new positions to support project management, engineering, and manufacturing roles.
• Supply Chain Growth: The project will utilize a predominantly Australian supply chain, stimulating growth and job security across various Australian companies.

Investing in the Future

“This project presents a unique opportunity to not only deliver high-quality GVA screens but also foster innovation within the Australian defence industry,” said Mr. Williams. “Future advancements in GVA screen technology will benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained through this program.”

A Proud Moment for Australian Industry

APC Technology’s successful contract win is a significant milestone for Australian defence manufacturing. The company expressed its gratitude to HDA for their trust and collaboration.

“We are honoured to be a key contributor to the LAND 400 Phase 3 program for the Redback IFV,” concluded Mr. Williams. “This project embodies the potential of Australian innovation and paves the way for future advancements in defence technology.”

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many societies, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs without fear of government censorship. However, it’s essential to understand that freedom of speech is not absolute and is often balanced against other rights and societal interests.

While the idea of not banning things simply because they may offend someone aligns with a broad interpretation of free speech, there are limits in most legal systems.

Ten days after the attacks on Tehran and Beirut killed key leaders, neither Iran nor Hezbollah has retaliated, despite vows of revenge. I would suggest that Iran is carefully weighing its response to avoid triggering a larger conflict. The delay may be part of psychological warfare, keeping Israel on edge while Iran considers the geopolitical consequences. The fear of provoking a devastating Israeli counterattack and concerns over security breaches are also likely factors in the delayed response.

Frontline

I offer the attached item on the little-known capture of about 180 ARVN recruits from the Van Kiep Training Centre by elements of the 274^th VC Regiment at a ARVN training camp north-west of Baria Town on 9 December 1966. Vietnam veterans who served in Phuoc Tuy would probably find it interesting.

Regards, Ernie Chamberlain

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VC capture 184 Van Kiep ARVN outside Baria FRONTLINE