Command Briefing

Operations Briefing Room was were all (or mostly all) was revealed to the General Staff. The room was located on the first floor (second floor for those in the US) of the ARVN Command Headquarters. Note the chart stand, a key focal point during the briefings. Source:

The Operations Briefing Room provided the environment where all (or mostly all) of what was happening in the Capital District was revealed to the General and his staff. Source:

Of vital importance, although no one seemed to notice, were the map updates indicating the current locations of units and incidents. Source:

Tactical Operations Center (TOC)

The Tactical Operations Center (TOC) was the hub of briefing and operations activity for the command. Most of the color photos shown are frame captures from a film by the 221st Signal Company in January of 1969. The 16mm film shot by 221 Signal, entitled 'The Defence of  Saigon' is now in the National Archives.

 This picture shows the logging of incidents or activities on the TOC Operations Map. Source: National Archives

Readings from observation towers provided information utilised triangulating  the targets coordinates. Source: National Archives

Next the plot is transferred to the operations map. Source: National Archives

Once the target coordinates are identified clearance must be sought to ensure that friendly units and villages are protected. Source: National Archives

Validation of clearance is important as a validation step. Source: National Archives

The final step is calling fire directions to the firing artillery unit. Source: National Archives

Misc. Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Images

Mike Puckett is reading the Stars and Stripes. Source: Puckett

The action is light...reads the Stars and Stripes. Source: