Nightmares
By R.A. Camaro

The night seemed long. Most of the men were so keyed up that they did not sleep well, and when they finally did, the morning seemed to have arrived so quickly that they were not sure they had slept much more than an hour or so. But daylight had arrived...no question about that. After breakfast the men were ordered to the Briefing Room. When they arrived they found camouflage uniforms on which their names were printed.-.six sets for each man...and also a floppy beret for each. They were instructed to put on the uniforms to check for fit and to wear one set because these were the uniforms they would be wearing for the day. About thirty minutes later they all filed back into the Briefing Room wearing their new uniforms. The Captain began, "You gentlemen will notice that there is no rank on your uniforms. Here on the table is black insignias of rank. This is what you wear on your collar from now on." The Sergeant began passing out three insignias each of their on ranks. The Lieutenant instructed them to affix the insignias. The third was for their hats. A three-quarter ton truck pulled up outside and the Captain told the men to form a single line at the rear of the truck to receive more gear. When they were lined up behind the truck, a Sergeant started handing them web gear (backpack, belt, hols ter, two canteens, four ammo pouches, and a knife...not a bayonet, but a knife, and a throwing one, at that). Tillman commented about this, but no one paid any attention to him.

The Sergeant told them to stow their gear in the barracks and get ready for Monday. They worked on their gear and partied until Monday, at which time they again presented themselves at the Briefing Room.

The men were marched to another area about a quarter of a mile from the buildings. They recognized this area as a firing range. The Sergeant in charge told the men to proceed to a parked truck and draw weapons. Each man was given a 45 automatic with three extra clips and five hundred rounds of ammunition. They were then instructed to place themselves on the firing line and load the clips with five rounds each, leaving the weapon empty until told differently. Fifteen minutes later they were ready.

During that time, the Sergeants were setting up silhouettes at fifty yards and then closer at twenty-five yards. After they had placed the targets, the Captain went to a small building in the center of the firing range and began working levers to raise and lower each man's targets.

When the Captain observed that everything was ready, he said to the men, "All right, gentlemen. When I tell you, you are to load your weapons and fire one full clip into the target that is up. You will have fifteen seconds; then I will lower that target and raise the other target. You will proceed to fire all the rounds in the second clip in that target in fifteen seconds; then I will raise both targets, and you will fire the last clip into both targets, alternating one then the other, again in fifteen seconds."

"Ready! Aim! Fire!" Some fired faster than others, some with two hands holding the gun and some with one hand supporting it. Sergeant Grossman finished first, Johnson second, the Lieutenant third, and then the rest. Suddenly the first target fell and up rose the second. The Sergeant and Johnson fired at the same time, each at his own target, and the others followed as one long "boom!"

Again the Sergeant finished first. When both targets rose the sound was like a machine gun firing as they all fired continuously. They had all finished when both targets dropped. "Cease fire, place your empty weapons on your ammo boxes, and proceed to your targets. Count the number of rounds in both targets," the Captain said as he raised both targets while the men approached them.

When they returned to the firing line the Captain asked each man how he had done. Most hit at least ten rounds, six to seven in the first target and only four or five in the fifty yard target. Johnson hit with fourteen of his rounds and the Sergeant and Lieutenant hit with thirteen. The Captain did not say 'good', 'Excellent', or anything, but merely to begin again and again until they all hit with at least thirteen rounds apiece.

They were grumbling as they returned to their positions, but they knew there was a reason and that it was fun so far. After all, they were merely standing around and shooting at targets with nobody shooting back. There was no physical training as yet. The men had reloaded and fired and reloaded and fired until all the ammunition was gone from the can. Suddenly they noticed that while they were firing the last rounds the two training Sergeants had given them another five hundred round box. The Captain ordered the men to fire at the silouhettes until all the ammunition was gone, and they were to change hands for part of the shooting in order to become totally familiar with the ability to shoot the 45 under any circumstances. The silhouet tes were very much destroyed when the ammunition was gone. The Captain then ordered the men to retrieve the spent cartridges, a thousand empty shells per man, to load the empty boxes onto the truck, and to carry the 45's back with them. The Cap tain did not want anyone to miss out on the fun of cleaning the weapons they had used.

Before they marched back, the Sergeant issued each man a shoulder holster for carrying the 45. As soon as they returned to the barracks they were informed that as soon as their weapons were clean, they would be allowed to eat. This was to become a ritual...the weapon came first, then the soldier. The reason was that the soldier could wait, but the weapon would not function properly and save its owner's life if it were dirty or broken.

They were also told that any man caught without his 45 would be regretting it. Nobody did get caught without his 45 during the three week training period. Somehow the Captain had conveyed the notion that one did not want to learn what his alternative outcome would be. Day after day the weapons familiarization exercises continued, four or five weapons a day...M14's, M16's, M1's, M60 machine guns...four days of small arms fi ring. The fifth day seemed much like the others...get up, eat, and march to the range. But when they arrived on this day, the observed mines, grenades, explosives, and M79 grenade launchers laid out on the canvas. On the range sat an old jeep and a small building of old plywood on which a target had been painted. The Captain said that Sergeant Piecznski would be instructing them today on explosives and the men were to do only as instructed when instructed because he wanted no accidents or injuries.

The Sergeant stood before them, picked up the grenade launcher and said, "Gentlemen, this is the M79 grenade launcher. A 40mm. weapon, it has various ammunition available...tear gas, incendiary, shot shell, and explosive head. It is totally accu rate up to 150 yards under the right conditions. The shot canister only has a killing range of 50 yards." He then explained that the explosive head is armed only four feet out of the barrel but not to re ly on this. He then loaded a round in the weapon and fired down the range. It exploded in the dirt. "As most of you are familiar with this weapon, I would like each of you to step up here one at a time and fire around the jeep to see if you can hit it. Lieutenant, you first."

The Lieutenant stepped up to the Sergeant, took the weapon, and fired, hitting the jeep dead center, flipping it over. The Lieutenant knew this was a good but also lucky shot. He calmly turned and handed the weapon to Sergeant Grossman, saying, "Your turn, Sergeant."

The Sergeant smiled, pickup up one round, aimed carefully, and fired, hitting the front section of the jeep and causing it to rise about four feet. After watching and feeling quite proud of himself, he turned and asked, "Who's next?"

Tillman quickly rose, reached for and took the weapon, loaded a round, and fired, hitting the jeep in the rear tire and spinning the jeep almost sideways. As he turned around, the training Sergeant took the weapon, loaded a round, and fired, hitting the driver's seat and saying, "This is the area to hit. It stops the jeep and kills all the occupants in the majority of cases, and that's what you want. One round and no one to fire back or to escape. Now, the rest of you fire two rounds each at the jeep."

After the men had fired, the Sergeant pickup up a round that was at least three inches longer than the rest. He said, "This is a CS round." He then loaded and fired at the small building. At the moment of impact a bluish cloud rose around the area. The Sergeant stated that the gas is harmless but disabling. It is a skin agent more commonly called 'tear gas'. The only disadvantages are that it dissipates quickly in the open area, and wind can blow it back on the one firing the weapon. He then picked up an incendiary round and explained that it burned at about 5,000 degrees, melting almost anything that it hits. He then loaded and fired that round, hitting the building. Nothing happened. In about ten seconds they could see smoke; then very quickly the building burst into flames. While it was burning, the Sergeant fired an explosive round into the building, causing it to totally disintegrate. "As you can see, gentlemen, two types of ammunition can be used together. The incendiary round weakens the structure so that the explosive round can do a much better job of total destruction." The Sergeant continued, "This concludes our lesson on the M79 grenade launcher. Next we go to explosives. the most common explosive at this time is Composition 4 or C-4. It is very versatile and easy to use. There is no danger carrying this unless you are exposed to another explosion such as a blasting cap going off or having it next to a mine or grenade during detonation."

The Sergeant then selected a can of C Rations, broke off a small piece of C-4, and rolled it into a ball, sticking it to the bottom of the can. The can was already open. He placed the can on two rocks and lit the C-4. Two men ran a couple of feet before the Sergeant called them back, assuring them that everything was all right. In a short time the food in the can began to boil. About this time the C-4 was completely consumed. The Sergeant explained, "This is one use for C-4, but if you use it too often, you may not have enough to do the job meant for the stuff you were carrying for your mission. So do not waste this explosive on heating food." He then went into an explanation of the other explosives, demonstrating them on the disabled jeep, completely turning it into scrap when he had finished.

C Rations were produced for lunch...nothing spectacular. Some went and swiped some C-4 to heat their food. After having completed lunch, the Captain told them to get into the truck, that they were going to a new training area. The driver maneuvered the truck through a wooded area until they approached a red sign at the side of the road. The truck stopped.

The Captain ordered them to unload but not to go off the road. Each man became somewhat anxious wondering what was about to occur. Another Sergeant, a solidly built man, emerged from the woods and said, "Welcome, gentlemen. If you proceed fifty yards due east you will find a small replica of a VC village. On the way you will encounter some booby traps of different types found throughout Vietnam. You may be fired upon, but they will be blanks, so please empty your 45's and turn in the ammo. Also your knives so if by chance you become nervous, no accidents will occur. You are not being given instructions on booby traps until you arrive at the village so that you will see how important this section of your training is. Six out of ten injuries occur from booby traps because people do not pay heed to warnings and do not stay alert. Do not trust anything...the trees, the ground, the people. On my command, please proceed. Move out!"

Not two feet off the road Munser stepped into a trap, sinking to his knees. The Sergeant was following, taking notes on who hit what and when. He shouted for Munser to pull himself up and proceed. About this time Davis hit a small wire stretched across a path, causing a trip flare to burst. He was about ten yards into the woods. The Lieutenant hoped that he wouldn't hit or fall into any booby traps so that he would not be just another "casualty." Another flare burst, causing the Lieutenant to stop and turn. He saw Sergeant Grossman, who had stepped over a log and hit a booby trap under a pressure plate. About the same time Munser was hit by a rubber-coated and rubber-spiked apparatus on a wire from behind, about knocking him to the ground. The men continued to trip the booby traps all the way through the woods until they reached a small creek from which they could observe the small village on the other side. Tillman was in front with the Lieutenant wading through the water when a flare exploded behind them on the shore. Someone had tripped it under the water.

As they emerged from the creek, feeling glad that the exercise was finished, a smoke grenade, burning furiously, rolled among them. As they ran toward the village, two people in what appeared to be black pajamas stepped from a hut and fired about twenty rounds at them.

The Captain then appeared, saying, "You may relax, now. You are all dead." Sergeant Pieczynski said, "Follow me," and took them to a set of homemade bleachers with a blackboard in front of the men. As soon as they h ad all sat down, the Captain said, "Most of you were killed or wounded just getting here." Suddenly an explosion occurred behind them. Most of the men had completely vacated the bleachers before the sound wave stopped echoing in the trees. The Captain told them to return to their seats.

The same Sergeant who had followed them through the woods appeared. He approached the blackboard and the Captain said, "This is Sergeant Jones. He will explain what booby traps each of you hit and how to avoid them and what you did wrong." "As the Captain said, my name is Sergeant Jones." the Sergeant began. "I have had two tours in Nam. I was a demolition man and I was an LRRP man. I have come across almost every type of booby trap there, both to disarm or to pick someone up after they found it. I told you at the road that you were not to trust anything or any place where you went. Maybe because you knew they were harmless or because you didn't believe me or you didn't care." He then asked a corporal to bring out a set of charts.

When these were placed in position, the Sergeant told him to bring out the display table. Sergeant Pieczynski and the corporal set up the table as Sergeant Jones began. "If you will pay attention, gentlemen, you will see the most common types of booby traps on these charts. The first is a punji stake pit which can have many variations. The first is just a hole with the stakes (as he held one in his hand) in the bottom of a camouflaged hole or under water. You step in the hole and when you reach the bottom, a punji goes through your foot, disabling you and making you a burden on your buddies. They often take and dip these tips and dump human dung on them so that infection will rapidly develop. The next variation of this is to put swivel boards on top so that once your foot is inside, as you or someone else pulls your foot out, the punjis on the side are pushed into the sides of your leg, creating more damage. Of course, there's the full size man trap where you find a camouflaged hole four or five feet deep with stakes at the bottom or even deadly snakes.

"Next is the swinging club or spiked club. A piece of wood, usually, with spikes or empty, that is tripped by something, usually a trip wire. The weapon then swings down the path, striking the person in the path. Another punji stake weapon used in conjunction with a snare is for someone to step in the snare, then be dragged to a wall of camouflaged punji stakes, impaling them on it. "The last one I will show you is the whip type, A branch is tied back with spikes sticking out so that when you trip it, it swings at you with the spikes hitting you first. While on the subject of spikes, a homemade bow and arrow can be set up to fire down a path when someone trips it.

"Now, let's discuss explosive booby traps. You have all heard about shells, ours and theirs, that hit and don't go off. These can be picked up and made into booby traps. Say, a 105 shell with a trip wire buried in the trees or under something or someone. I say 'someone' because if you come across anyone alive or dead lying on the ground, you could pick them up to help and a booby trap go off. A grenade with a pin pulled placed under the armpit or under the body or just a souvenir you wanted. Move it and you can make a deadly mistake. "Next, homemade bombs. The VC can make a bomb out of anything, old casings, empty cans, bamboo, anything that will hold an explosive or grenades with trip wires under water. If you'll step up to the display table you'll see different types of booby traps. Take your time and look carefully."

As they look, they saw punji stakes made out of bone, wood, and steel. Some even had barbs so the stakes entered the body easily and ripped flesh when removed. They saw a spiked log with a rope attached. Munser said he was glad he got only a bruise from the one that hit him. They saw bombs with trip wires hanging from them. The bombs were made from old C Ration cans. The Lieutenant inquired of the Sergeant how much damage a C Ration can could do. "Sir," The Sergeant answered, "that can was filled with TNT, small nails, and broken glass. Does that answer your question, sir?"

"Sure does," Ed said, wishing he hadn't asked. The thought of being killed or mangled by someone's garbage just did not seem dignified in a war. The Captain said, "Now that you are familiar with these things, you are going to depart for the road again, and meet the truck and return to the billets. Remember the area is booby trapped, and now if you trip a booby trap you will run a mile for each one. Move out!" They started back through the wooded area, much more cautiously than before. Only ten minutes were used in passing through the first time; now, they used almost forty minutes. Only two booby traps were sprung, one by munser and one by Sergeant Grossman. Both had trip wires across a small path. When they arrived at the truck, the Captain said, "You did well, gentlemen...only two injuries, but now you have had some experience in guerrilla warfare, using booby traps. I am sure that you can just as well lay traps for the enemy now that you have seen how they are used."

After the men boarded the trucks and picked up their ammunition and knives, again Sergeant Pieczynski ordered munser and Sergeant Grossman to start jogging back to the billets. This lesson would certainly remain in their minds, and the jogging would help ensure that they were in the best physical condition possible. That night after mess the men were in their barracks playing poker and chess, discussing the "what if nobody comes back" or "who would come back" and "if they all came back, what would they do...stay in the Army or go home and find a job" questions. That night some dreamed about home while others had nightmares about having limbs torn off by homemade booby traps or watching their friends die and their being unable to do anything about it.

Saturday morning after mess, they went to the Briefing Room to learn about different weapons furnished by the other governments to the VC and NVRA. The Captain began by saying, "The most common weapon used is our own that have been captured from our own men. Next is the type 56 assault rifle, a Chinese-made 62 mm. that is actually a copy of the Russian AK47. Next is the 7.62 mm. K-50m sub-machine gun, another Chinese copy of the Soviet PPSH-41. Some models are taken into homemade workshops and the solid butt of the original weapon is replaced by a French style sliding wire butt stock. Then the barrel jacket is shortened so that the muzzle brake is removed, then a pistol grip is added, and a new front sight is added. It then weighs about ninety-one pounds and has a 35 round magazine."

"Next is the 7.62 MAT 49 modified sub-machine gun. These weapons were taken from the French during their occupation. "Next is the RPG-7 portable rocket launcher. Soviet-made, it is small, light, and very destructive. The PG-7 grenade is per cussion fired when it is about four yards out of the launcher. A rocket motor fires, propelling the missile about 325 yards. The warhead can penetrate twelve inches of armor plate. The only drawback to this weapon is that the wind can cause this weapon to miss its target. "The last of the common weapons is the 81 mm. mortar, manufactured in North Vietnam. It is a copy of the same U.S. model. "Now, then, this shows you how many Communist countries are involved through supplying weapons, food, and some personnel.

Please examine these at your leisure for the rest of the day. This afternoon and tomorrow you will practice hand-to-hand and close-in fighting."

That afternoon the instructors were in for a surprise because they had not read the files on the new men. As they stood before the group and explained simple judo moves, the group said nothing. Sergeant Jones was assisting in the demonstration with SP/5 Wilson giving the instruction.

The Lieutenant merely grinned when the SP/5 asked someone to try it. The Lieutenant said, "Johnson would be a prime example for the men as he is about average size; but try not to hurt him, please. Johnson, step forward and say nothing." "But Lieutenant," Johnson objected.

"You heard me, Johnson." As the Lieutenant grinned, Johnson then understood and moved close to the SP/5. As Wilson explained how to grab an opponent by the arm and flip him, he started to reach for Johnson's arm and when Johnson grabbed Wilson's arm and threw him to the ground, placing a foot gently on his throat. The prostrate SP/5 looked as though he had made a great error. His eyes were like golf balls. Anger slowly appeared on his face, so Dave released him and started to help Wilson to his feet. He thrust Dave's hand away and challenged, "Are you ready to try that again?" Dave shrugged his shoulders and answered, "Sure, are you?" Wilson said, "Five bucks says you can't beat me." Dave looked at the Lieutenant, who nodded affirmatively.

"Okay," Dave said. "You sure you want to do this?" Wilson nodded and said, "Are you?" About that time Wilson leaped forward only to find that he was a little late; Dave had moved to one side and deftly thumped his hand on the back of W ilson's neck, knocking him to the dirt face first. As he scrambled to his feet, he handed Dave five dollars, glanced at Tillman, and asked him if he knew judo or karate. Ron said, "No."

"Come forward, please," Wilson invited. The men just grinned. As Ron approached him, Wilson again asked if he knew judo or karate. "Nope," was the answer again. The SP/5 had been humiliated by a ringer in the crowd, and his pride had been hurt.

He assumed his judo stance and told Ron to attack him. Ron merely stared at him, and Wilson shouted this time, "Do as I said!" Ron brought up his fists and asked, "Are you ready?" Wilson nodded. Ron struck Wilson at least three times with left jabs and then hit him with a right cross, knocking Wilson flat on his back. Humiliated again, Wilson slowly rose to his knees, feeling a loose tooth.

Ron grinned and said, "I never took judo or karate, but I was a Golden Gloves contender." Wilson glared at the Lieutenant, saying "You may take the afternoon off; tomorrow we will go into special weapons." The men returned to the barracks to relax, laughing about how they had managed to get the afternoon off to sleep or to write letters. Meanwhile Wilson went to the Captain to inform him that the Lieutenant had conned him and allowed him to make a fool of himself. The Captain smiled slowly, observed Wilson's face with a swollen lip and a developing black eye, and said, "Wilson, you were informed to read the file on every man who comes through t his school. If you had done so, this may not have occurred. As it did, I would say this is a good way for you to remember what you are told is told to you for a reason. Now, get back to your duties."

"Yes, Sir," Wilson replied as he left the office knowing that the Captain was right.

Sunday morning the men slept late. Training was to continue that afternoon. Some read or wrote letters. They had been instructed that they could write letters while they were here but that they could not mention what they were doing or when or where they would be going. They could write only that they were in training. That Sunday afternoon they were taken back to the area where they had been given the hand-to-hand training. When they arrived, Sergeant Jones and SP/5 Wilson were waiting. They told the men to form a semi-circle around them. When this was done, Sergeant Jones passed around a ring with a ring on each end. When it reached the last man, the Sergeant retrieved it and said, "This is a simple little tool called a garrote. It has a couple of methods of use, but the principle is the same. He had previously propped up a dummy, and as he approached from the rear of the figure, he placed a small stick in each ring and crossed his arms. Then he dropped the wire over the head of the dummy and pulled, uncrossing his arms. Then he jerked with an outward motion on the wire to form a tight loop. He then began by saying, "As you can see, this method can cut off blood and oxygen to the head, disabling the voice box. Crossing the arms causes the loop to totally encircle the throat. The other method is to place the knee in the back and drop the garrote over the head and pull with the arms and push with the knees."

He then demonstrated this action by using the dummy. "As you can see, gentlemen, the first method is much easier and more efficient. Now, each of you step up to the dummy and try your luck."

After they had finished, a target was set up; it was four feet across and made of wood. Black and yellow circles had been painted on it. Sergeant Pieczynski placed the men about twenty feet from the target and told them, "It's time for you to learn to use that pig sticker you were issued for something besides whittling." He then pulled out a knife like the ones they carried and threw it at the target, just missing the center. "You all will be issued a knife for throwing. You'll all learn to do this once you learn how to hold it for throwing." After he had demonstrated a couple of times, he allowed them to practice. He also suggested that they take the target back to the barracks to continue practicing. During the last hour he had them practice with a cross bow, with and without a scope, saying that this device could be used for distant shots and was definitely quiet and deadly. That night after mess a contest sprang up among the men. They were betting who could hit closest to the target center. At first the Lieutenant and Captain were concerned and somewhat worried by this activity, but they realized that money might help them learn to throw the knives with accuracy. Monday morning the men were assembled, loaded into a truck, and taken to the mock-up village. On arriving each was issued an M14 with blanks, and they were marched to the edge of the woods which they had entered for the booby trap training. They had been given team training in basic training and again in AIT, advanced individual training.

Now the Captain said, "Gentlemen, your objective is to make a total team effort to capture the village, or, if outnumbered, return with all the information you can gather. By the way, most of the booby traps have been moved around, and all have been reloaded. Lieutenant, you will be in command just as you will be overseas. You may begin when ready, Lieutenant." Ed then guided his men down the road about twenty yards. The Captain, meanwhile, jumped into his jeep and left. The men were on their own, and Ed realized that this was his chance to prove himself to his men and the men to see how each one would react to any situation. \par Ed said, "Davis...Johnson, take the point. Do not say anything; just use hand signals to point out booby traps, and watch for enemy imitators. I have a feeling they are really going to test us so they can see how we react. You all have blanks for your rifles. Do not fire unless absolutely necessary so they don't have any detection through noise. We are not going straight in. We know the creek and the village are about fifty yards straight in, and they will think we will go straight in because we are green and it's supposed to be easier." As he was finishing the sentence, he bent down and started to draw a map in the dirt.

First, he drew the road, then the creek, then the village, and finally the woods. After he had finished, he placed an X where he estimated they were standing. Then he started to speak again. "What we will do is go into the woods about ten yards, then go northeast fifty yards, then west fifty yards, then south about seventy-five yards. It may seen a long way, but when we get to that spot and turn west, we should be directly behind them, which should catch them totally off guard. Okay? Let's go!"

As they entered, Johnson pulled out a note pad and tore pages from it and signaled Davis to take some. When he reached the first booby trap, he laid a piece of paper on it, and then Davis understood. He signaled to the Lieutenant and to the others down the line. Fine...they had conquered the main problem. Now, to escape detection!

Almost an hour had passed when they were turning west. They had not hit a single booby trap nor seen a single person. To avoid detection of the note paper trick, the last man picked up each piece as he went by. When they had traveled about ten yards west, the Lieutenant signaled for them to them to circle around him. Then he revealed the plan he had devised as they came in. He instructed Davis and Johnson to proceed toward the village, undetected, and discover what they could and return with that information. They would await their return. While they waited, Munser pulled out a cigarette and was about to light it when Sergeant Grossman stopped him. Munser did not understand the reason, so Sergeant Todd explained, "Listen son, the reason is that we have gone this far without detection. The smoke from your cigarette could blow it, and that's an order!" Munser replaced the offending object to his pocket and sat back and waited. Davis and Johnson had gone halfway when they spied a man in black pajamas, like those of the VC, sitting with his back to them. They observed that he was relaxed and smoking a cigarette. They laid down their rifles, quietly, unsheathed their knives, sneaked up behind him, placed the knife to his throat and a hand over his mouth, and pulled him against the tree at the same time. They told him that if made a sound or moved, they would slice his throat right then and ther e, and to nod if he understood. He nodded with big eyes because he was uncertain if these men were crazy enough to carry out the threat. Johnson told Davis to sit on him and not to let him move. Davis had barely nodded in response when Johnso n started toward the village. He was near the edge of the woods when he saw the village. The only personnel he saw, six to be exact, were sitting in the middle of the camp. He thought more might be in the woods south of his present position and that they could ambush the men coming in, making them look bad. He created a mental map and returned to Davis.

They took their prisoner with them. They had gagged him and tied his hands behind his back so he could not do anything to alert the other. They had even tied a small rope to each ankle so he could walk but not run. When they approached the Lieutenant and the other men, Sergeant Grossman and the others were standing guard and were visibly shocked to see a man in black pajamas besides being tied like a roped calf. Johnson informed the Lieutenant what had happened and what he had seen.

Sergeant Grossman had an idea and asked Ed if it was alright to speak. Ed responded, "Sure, Sergeant." "What if we circled the village and fired in the air and scared the hell out of them?" Grossman asked.

"Well, Sergeant, that's a good suggestion. How about if we add one little part? We all have smoke grenades. What we'll do is circle the village, and on my signal, a rifle shot, each of us will throw a smoke bomb into the village and fire one clip of ammo to supposedly eliminate the enemy. Do not cross the creek.

If they run through the creek, throw two smoke bombs into the bank on the other side. Oh, Yes, tie our friend here to a tree so he can't get loose."

They tied him securely after they had removed his black pajamas. They left him tied to a tree in his O.D. shorts and shoes. They left in two groups, one led by Sergeant Todd and the other by the Lieutenant, in case they were spotted, one team would still have a chance to complete the mission.

When they saw the village they positioned themselves. The men in the camp had not moved since Johnson had left. The Lieutenant noticed that most of their weapons were leaning against a hut nearest him. He thought about that and devised a plan. If he pulled the pin on his smoke grenade and threw it at the weapons before firing the signal, he could later claim that the smoke grenade was to simulate a fragmented grenade. Even if they grabbed their weapons and fired, later he could insist that they would not fire blown-up weapons. He observed Sergeant Todd move into position. He then pulled the pin on his smoke grenade and held the handle for a good fifteen seconds before releasing it.

He then started counting, 5...4...3...2...1 and threw it at the weapons. Simultaneously he fired his weapon. Suddenly smoke grenades hit the village. The men sitting in the center leaped to their feet; some ran for their weapons while two of them rushed toward the creek. Meanwhile the firing became continuous. Sergeant Grossman and the Lieutenant waited until the men were in the middle of the creek until they threw their smoke grenades. They both hit the bank on the other side. One rolled down to the edge of the water, but both began smoking, completely enveloping the men in the smoke. After the firing had abated somewhat, the Captain hollered for the men to cease fire and advance, and for the men in black pajamas to come forward. He appeared a little disgusted.

Ed was not certain if the Captain was angry with him or with the men whom he had positioned to pose as the enemy who had been caught. After everyone had come and circled the Captain, he said, "Very good, Lieutenant. I was wondering what was taking you so long to arrive and what happened to my rear outpost man."

Ed grinned and said, "He was caught with his pants down, and here they are." He handed the black pajamas to the Captain. "He's back in the woods, tied up at the moment." Wilson left to find his man. A litter laughter broke out on both sides. T he Captain glared, asking, "Why the smoke grenades and rifles?"

"Well, Sir, the smoke grenades were supposed to simulate real grenades, and the rifle fire finished off any survivors. The first grenade, if you'll remember, hit the weapons, taking away fire power. The rest hit throughout the area, including the embankment, supposedly killing everyone with fragmentation grenades. Since we didn't agree to the terms of what was to be simulated, hence the rifle fire. The plan was derived from reconnaissance made prior to our attack."

"You mean you were here for surveillance and left?" "Yes, Sir; That's how we acquired these," said Ed, pointing to the black pajamas. About that time in came SP/5 Wilson and the man in his underwear. Again everyone laughed, and the man felt greatly embarrassed. The Captain threw the clothes at him and told him to get dressed. Turning back to the Lieutenant, the Captain said, "You have done well Lieutenant. Rather than continue this session, we will proceed to ambush training. Since you and your men seem to have experience in the woods, we will use the blackboard in the Briefing Room. You'll ride back in my jeep. You men clean up this mess and return to the barracks."

In the jeep on the way back the Captain questioned Ed about the method of that attack and, especially, how they passed through the booby traps without anyone hitting one. Ed related the entire series of events as they returned. As they alighted from the jeep and entered the small HDQ building, the Captain beckoned Ed to a chair and gave him a beer, saying, "Lieutenant, you seem to have what it takes to accomplish this assignment. Your men seem to follow your orders. Did you have any problems on your training mission?"

"No Sir," Ed replied. "It's as if we knew what each other was thinking as we went along."

"Yes, Lieutenant, that symptom is very common but usually not until you are in combat a month or so. Some never get it, and some get it too late. I think you and your men will do very well, but there is one thing you need to remember, the worst part, and that's what if one of you doesn't make it. How do you deal with that? You'll become very close to each other, like a family. So if one of you goes, it will hurt. You must make sure that it doesn't interfere with the unit for one second because if it does, you'll lose more men and your control in tight situations, and you could all be killed or captured. Make the conditions work for you...not against you. The other thing is that you tend to use the same men constantly for job assignments. What if these men are disabled? The others will be unable to adjust to the situation quickly enough to save others. Rotate job positions so all the men are capable of all assignments to the best of their ability. Do you understand, Lieutenant?" "Yes, Sir, I do, and thank you. I'll keep that in mind," said Ed as he finished his beer. "Well Let's go to mess, Captain." After eating the men meet in the Briefing Room. The rest of the day was spent drawing maps on the blackboard and marking the positions for personnel and weapons. Then they marked a path on the board and explained how to booby trap it.

The next day the Captain again assembled the men in the Briefing Room and discussed helicopters. He asked them to close the shutters in the building and extinguish the lights; at the same time a slide projector presented a helicopter on the screen tha t was mounted on the blackboard. The Captain then began, "Gentlemen, today you are going to learn about the different helicopters being used in Southeast Asia. You will use these for many reasons and uses during your stay. There, the main helicop ter you will use is the one you see here. It is the Bell UH-ID. It has a maximum capacity of fourteen men and a range of 327 miles. We will discuss this unit later this afternoon when we will have one here.

As the slide changed he continued, "Second is the Boeing-Vertol CH-47, a very wide-bodied unit. It's the larger unit used. It can carry either forty-four personnel or a payload of about 10,000 pounds. "Next is the support units' OH-6. It carr ies out low level searches following trails by flying fast and low over suspected enemy positions or to examine areas. The main support ship. Please change the slide." As soon as it changed, he began again, "This is the Bell AH-IG, a Huey Cobra gunship, armed with rockets and machine guns.

"Now, the last one shown here is the GH-54 or 'Sky Crane'." The slide was again moved forward. "It is used both for bringing supplies in as a recovery vehicle, such as artillery pieces or smaller helicopters when they are damaged. It can carry about 15,400 pounds.

"Now, you will see diagrams on where to place personnel and equipment on the UH-ID's. Oh, yes, one small thing to remember. Do not stand up under the blades of a helicopter or get near the rear rotor. You could destroy a helicopter unit if you are hit, and you will not be around to have it taken out of your pay."

They spent the rest of the morning discussing the helicopter procedures. During mess they hear a helicopter land in the field. The men assembled around the craft trying to examine every inch while they crew watched them very closely to make certain that no one caused any damage to it. The Captain entered the group and introduced Warrant Officer Taylor, calling him 'Mr. Taylor' as the custom in the Army dictates. A warrant officer's unusual position is that of a specialist in the lower ranks but receiving all the privileges of regular officers.

r Mr. Taylor began, "This is the UH-ID, the most commonly used helicopter in troop movement. We are going to seat you in the helicopter now as you would be during a mission. When you are in a helicopter, fasten your seat belt at all times and pay atten tion to the crew. This may save your life and the lives of the crew aboard."

As the men climbed aboard, they noticed how thin the chopper parts were. Williams asked about it. "Mr. Taylor, just for the sake of curiosity, is this thing bullet proof?"

"Well, soldier, let's put it this way. When we fly in combat, the bottom of the helicopter faces the enemy fire the majority of the time. So we sit on our flak jackets. Does that register?"

"Sorry I asked," Williams said. The rest of the explanation of the helicopter procedures continued. At the conclusion they directed the men to load and unload the helicopter while the engine was inactive. The exercise went well that Mr. Taylor decided that they were ready to repeat the procedure with the blades of the engine whirling. To show them the danger of the blades, he went to the storage compartment in the center of the fuselage and returned with a pumpkin and a stick with a small plastic bowl fastened at the end. He gave it to one of the men in his crew. Everyone was ordered to back away from the craft but to stand so they could see all the men. He planned to give a "thought lesson" about helicopters. When they had all stepped back about twenty-five yards, Mr. Taylor settled into the pilot's seat and started the engine.

As the blades began to whirl, the other crew member said to the group, "If you will observe what I do, you will see how deadly the blades are. This is "Herman", our dumb victim. Each time we do this we go back to his family for more volunteers." He then pulled out a baseball hat and placed it on top of the pumpkin. He then crouched down, walked over to the helicopter, sat down about fifteen feet from the fuselage, and began raising the pumpkin up toward the blades. The hat blew off the pumpkin right away. Then when he had the pumpkin about five feet off the ground, it became pulverized. It just exploded, and the stick was thrown to the ground. The engine began to slow.

When the blades had stopped completely, Mr. Taylor emerged from the helicopter and approached the men, saying, "O.K. now, you've seen the effects of the blades on a pumpkin. Your head will go just like that, so when you come out of the helicopter, keep your hat in your hand and your head down until you are totally clear of the blades. Now we will get into the helicopter and go up, then return, and you will exit the helicopter as though we were at a landing zone. Remember, keep low, and stay where I can see you at all times. Let's go!"

During the rest of the afternoon the men practiced loading and unloading the helicopter. The first time was rather funny. The men emerged walking like ducks because of their fear of the blades. Once Mr. Taylor's crew showed them the height they should maintain while exiting, the exercise progressed more quickly and smoothly. That night they practiced they procedure again and again until they were most proficient. They slept well that night for the day had been long. The following morning in the Briefing Room they again discussed helicopter procedures, and the rest of the week was devoted to ambush procedures, patrol procedures, and radio procedures.

The last week began with the Captain placing maps on the walls in order to present the history of Vietnam.

He began, "Vietnam's recorded history began in Tonkin just before the Christian era. The original settlers came from central China. Vietnam was held under control by China from 111 B.C. to 939 A.D. Vietnam then battled Kublai Khan's armies in 1288, France then conquered in 1853 and ended in 1884 with France holding a protective hand over the country.

"In 1940 Vietnam was occupied by Japan. During this time the Nationalists gained force such as the Viet Minh League, headed by Ho Chi Minh, a Communist who led guerrilla forces. In August 1945 the Viet Minh overthrew Bao Dai, former Emperor Annam's regime, sponsored by Japan. Meanwhile France was trying to reestablish control, battled both Communist and Nationalist forces from 1946 to 1954 and was finally defeated at Dien Bien Phu. Also, in 1949, Bao Dai had formed the state of Vietnam with himself as Chief of State, with French assistance, while China backed Ho Chi Minh.

"The agreement for cease fire was in 1954, dividing Vietnam along the Ben Hai River. The French were to withdrew from the North, and elections were to decide the country's future. Under the agreement the Communists were to be given control north of the 17th Parallel. This involved twenty-two provinces and thirteen million people. Hanoi was to be the capital with Ho Chi Minh as President. "South Vietnam was to end up with thirty-nine provinces with a population of twelve million. During this turnover, about one million North Vietnamese fled to South Vietnam. On October 26, 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem, Premier of South Vietnam, organized in the North, adopted a constitution in 1959. It was based on C ommunist principles and called for the reunification of all Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh was released in 1960 and still holds office.

"North Vietnam had to take over South Vietnam in 1954. The real fighting started in 1956 with the Communist Viet Cong, aided by North Vietnam, pressing war in the South. South Vietnam was receiving U.S. aid. Communist aid to the Viet Cong guerrilla started intensifying in 1959, and large scale troop infiltration began in 1964 with Russian and Chinese arms assistance. At this time large Northern forces are believed to be stationed in Cambodia and Laos.

"There was a serious political uprising in 1963 when the Buddhist denounced all authoritarianism and brutality. This disturbance led the way for a military coup in November of 1963, which overthrew Diem. Quite a few military coups have followed since then.

"In 1964, the U.S. air strikes against North Vietnam began. In 1965 the raids were stepped up and the United States became combatants. As you can see, gentlemen, the people you will be fighting have been receiving experience since the beginning of the country, and the guerrilla warfare is not new to them. But, we have to learn their methods and ways so that we can win. The language is mostly Vietnamese and French, which we will get into later. This afternoon we will discuss the territory and the maps."

That afternoon the Captain discussed the maps on the wall of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and also overall map reading and personnel identification. The next morning the Captain was waiting with Ed when the men arrived at the Briefing Room.

r When they were all seated the Captain began. "Okay, today we are going to learn the language so that you can work with the prisoners and local people. You will be provided with a liaison man who is totally trustworthy, usually an ARVN officer who totally understands English. Now, here on this chart are words and phrases you will use more than any of the others. They are broken down in sections: 1, General conversation; 2, Military terminology; 3, Weapons; 4, Entering a village; 5, Time; 6, Numbers; 7, Handling prisoners. See the _MACV Phrase Book _for leathernecks."

This discussion continued all day until they had learned quite a few phrases by heart. The Captain said, "Once you're over there you'll pick up the language. This exercise was to familiarize you with the language and give you a basic knowledge of it. Tomorrow we will begin the handling of prisoners."

The next morning they went to the training field and learned how to search, tie up, and secure prisoners. After lunch they reassembled in the Briefing Room. The Captain arrived late. He began by saying, "As a member of the United States military forces, you will comply with the Geneva Prisoner of War Conventions of 1949 to which your country complies. Under these conventions you can and will disarm your prisoner, then immediately search him thoroughly. You will require him to be silent, keep him segregated from other prisoners, and guard him carefully. Finally, take him to the place designated by your commander. You cannot and must not mistreat your prisoner, humiliate or degrade him, take any of his effects which do not have signifi cant military value, or refuse him medical treatment that is required and available. Always treat your prisoner humanely.

While the enemy is in your hands, leave punishment to the courts and judges. The soldier shows his strength by his fairness, firmness, and humanity to the prisoners in his hands. "Now that you have heard the legal military approach to the war in Vietnam and all other wars, let's tell the truth. The enemy does not pay attention to the Geneva Convention. But we must obey, at all times, these rules or the politicians will scream bloody murder, and we will become as bad as the enemy. While you are there, you will encounter many atrocities by both sides. Do not become involved in these. If you encounter anything involving these, please inform your immediate supervisor, the Lieutenant in your case. Do not write home or to your politi cians. What occurs in the military is only military business, not anyone's business but ours. The reason I say this is we have had experiences in the past where men have written their families and politicians, who in turn write back wanting explanations as to what happened. The story ends up totally out of proportion, and allegations are made which the press loves. So, do we understand each other?

r "You will keep your mouth shut, and only report to your supervisor.

"Now, for identifying personnel. First, let's say that there is no official uniform that they must wear. They could be anyone from a small child to an old lady, so be attentive to all who are around you. Unless you know them, do not trust them. As for those who wear uniforms, the North Vietnamese soldier will usually wear a green uniform, boots, and a pith style helmet. His basic weapons are the RFG-7 or AK-47. He can be, of course, carrying one of our weapons.

"The Viet Cong, or VC, will normally wear black pajamas when on a mission, mostly open sandals. He will carry quite a bit of homemade equipment such as his web belt. He will also carry a weapon, but it could be anything from French to American to Russian. Some think these are well-supplied queried, but we have found that while some are, most are not. They retrieve weapons from both sides after an ambush or a full-out attack, and let's face it, gentlemen, the easiest way to get supplies and continue on in guerrilla warfare is to carry the same weapon as the enemy.

Do not fire unless you are under orders to do so. The rest of the week you will practice what you have learned here, both in and out of the Briefing Room. Saturday you will be getting your orders. Any section we have covered that you wish to try again, go to that instructor. This is your last chance. Your life does depend on it."

The last few days progressed well. The men really seemed to want to learn, and learn they did. Ed and the Captain decided that they would order a few items from the PX for a party for the men without telling them. The men were reading their orders which all read the same. In plain English the orders said, "Go to Saigon; do not pass 'Go'; do not collect $200. Take a thirty day leave and report to Oakland Air Base for flight to Bien Hoa Airbase for a one year tour of duty in Vietnam." Sergeant Piecznski came into the barracks, handed each man a black beret with the markings LRRP embroidered on it, and said, Congratulations, gentlemen. The Captain wishes to speak to you in the Briefing Room, in two minutes, so get your selves together."

As they entered the Briefing Room, they noticed a canvas covering a large object in the center of the room. The Lieutenant was wearing his black beret; it looked good they all thought. After all, everyone earned it. The Captain began, "Soldiers, you have completed a training course that is vital to the United States Army and to yourselves because you are trained to work together, as one, in rough situations. This is an experimental class. There may be more, but I'm not sure at this time. I can see how beneficial it has been for you to work and train as one here before you are in combat where a minor error can cost someone a life or a limb. Please remember this project is Top Secret. You are not to divulge any of this information to anyone until you are told to do so. If you do, it is a court martial offense, and you will be monitored or watched until you arrive in Vietnam. Now, then, I will allow the Lieutenant to say a few words. Lieutenant?"

"Men," Ed began because he knew they were men now, "you and I are going to Vietnam together, and we will be assigned to a division when we arrive. I have no idea which one at this time. Personally, I don't think the Army knows yet. But, for now, you have thirty minutes to turn in your gear to SP/5 Wilson at the truck out front. Keep only the gear you came with. You will be issued new gear upon our arrival in Nam. When you are finished, I want you back here to search and destroy this evidence." As he spoke, he pulled back the canvas, revealing six tubs filled with ice and beer. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" shouted Munser long before the others had a chance to respond. "Dismissed!" Ed said as the men seemed to evaporate before his eyes because they moved so fast.

The rest of the day the men attacked the beer; some became so sick they would go out and seek a tree for support as they vomited. Then they would immediately return for more. The training cadre were right there keeping up with the men, all having a great time.

The next day about noon the truck arrived to carry them to the airport to begin the thirty day leave. They barely spoke. They had bad hangovers; even the Lieutenant's eyes, with the many red lines, resembled a road map of Los Angeles. Once at the airport they sat at the bar drinking the hair-of-the-dog that bit them and making their good-byes, each one saying that he would see the others in Oakland. They all boarded their respective planes, most thinking that this might be the last time at home, so they were not going to waste it, not even Sergeant Grossman, who was the only married man in the unit. When he decided to volunteer for Vietnam, he sent his wife home to her family so that when he returned on leave, he could find a house for them; and if something did happen to him, he would know that they would be all right and not have to worry about a place to stay. After all, he had moved them all over the world on his assignments, and he had only two years to go until retirement.

They could have the house all finished by the time he retired. The other men just planned on going home and seeing all their friends and dating all they could. Most did just that. Some were content to stay home and read or visit with their families. They all even went to visit their high schools. Funny. As much as they had hated school and wanted to get out, they all seemed to want to return for a visit; whether this was to show their teach ers that they were men now or to restore old memories was not certain.

After fourteen days or so at home, most were ready to go back. They had seen and done everything possible, and for some, everyone that they could. Time was a element that seemed slow. The reason was not that they were war mongers but that all they had known for a long time was military procedure. They just did not seem to fit at home, perhaps because they knew the leave was temporary and life at home was not to be their way from now on. One man even went to Disney Land for the last week so he could just be by himself to relax and think before leaving for Vietnam.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Note: The author is now in search of a publisher for the full-length version of Nightmares. If you know of a publisher who might be interested, or if you are a publisher and you're interested, please contact By R.A. Camaro. --Al Colombo