I found some lessons learned in a book I am reading regarding SEAL operations in Vietnam. These came from 2nd Platoon SEAL Team 2. I am not going to list
them all because there are quite a few. This is a report about what they liked and what they would have liked to have in the combat enviornment in 1967.
9. Use barrel plugs to prevent mud from clogging weapons. Insure all water drains from the barrel if the weapon becomes immersed.
10. Silent weapons were found to be very useful, (9mm SMG's)
11.Magazines should be emptied after every operation to ease tension on the spring. Magazines should be loaded just prior to an operation.
12.Magazines should be wiped clean and oiled after every op. They should be stripped and cleaned after every few operations.
13. .223 ammo should be disposed of after a max of 2 wet operations to eliminate jams and misfires.
14. Ammo must be carried as high as possible on the chest to keep it as clean and dry as possible.
16. Pistols are not needed other for use in travel from base to base, in and around Saigon.
17. Shotguns proved to be extremely effective for close range fighting. Personnel should be thoroughly indoctrinated in the use and care of this weapon.
18. A better flash suppressor is needed for the .223 SMG. When fired at night the flash is blinding.
19. 30 round magazines should be issued to all personnel. Normal contact is brief and furious and 30 round magazines would greatly increase the units firepower
in this situation.
20. A patrols rate of movement is determined by the radioman. He sinks in the mud at least one foot deeper than any other patrol member. The PRC 25 is too
heavy for the above reason. A light walkie talkie type radio with a 5-7 mile range, 1 or 2 freq, and water proof to 3' would be ideal.
21. First aid kits should be water proofed.
23. All individual weapons should have slings mounted from the side or top of the weapon rather than underneath. The sling should be on the weapon at all
times. This lets the individual, if necessary use his hands for quieter movement, searching, ect. yet the weapon will stay slung in the firing position. Also
if the man is wounded his weapon is less apt to get lost.
24. A small set of fins that can be used for swimming insertions yet not get in your way while patrolling, would be extremely useful.
26. Camo uniforms should be made of heavy material and have lots of pockets.
27. Sneaks and coral shoes are better for patrolling in Delta areas than jungle boots. They are easier to get in and out of the mud and make less noise doing
so. Another advantage is that they dont leave an obvious footprint.
29. Extensive practice in snap firing and firing from the hip should be given to incoming platoons.
30. Encountered difficulty in getting sight picture of moving target at intermediate range (40-100 yards) A possible solution is an open rear sight.
I left out the parts regarding the Stoner weapon systems and 40mm grenade weapon suggestions mainly. Hope everybody gets some info out of it.
