Sit-Rep Negative - Break Squelch Twice | Eastern North Carolina Now

   As the 50 years anniversary since I was in Vietnam, approaches next year, I find my mind wandering back to those days. I spent about 35 of the last 50 years never thinking about the experience and the last 15 years trying to reconcile myself  with that idealistic young man.  A new Vietnam documentary started broadcast on PBS, and I have set the TIVO to record it but I don't know if I care to watch the show.  For me the war was not a political consideration or a national security issue.  I was just doing what young men raised in the 1950's did; answer the call to serve and do my 364 and a wake up and come home. I have shared some of the memories here on BCN before and have a few others in the Hell Hole Folder for my kids to review if they so wish. Here is one that was not too far a stretch as it may seem. Old veterans don't need much talk to check up on each other. Bobby Tony Sep 2017

Sit-Rep Negative- Break Squelch Twice

   The recent hurricane Irma reminded me of one of the now primitive techniques we used during 1968-1969 in Vietnam.  Every night when we set up our defensive perimeter in the boonies we also sent several groups of two and three men teams outside the perimeter to act as Listening Post (LP).  The purpose was have an advance warning if the enemy tried to move in during the night. It was also understood that it was better to lose a couple of guys at the LP than have the enemy surprise the premier in the middle of the night and lose a bunch more.

   The LP's were set up about 20-30 meters outside the perimeter. Their location was based on a compass heading so the night positions on the perimeter had some idea where the LPs were located. Each LP would have a PRC25 Radio. (In true grunt fashion, it was referred to as the Prick25)  During the night, the Command Post (CP) would call each LP and ask for a Situation Report (SIT-REP). The procedure was simple. The CP would call each LP by the code name and announce.

 Any noise was a no-no as it would give away your position. The LP volume would be set very low and the RTO would have the handset next to his ear continuously. The LP would push the button on the PRC25 Handset twice to indicate that the Situation was Negative. It made no noise at the LP but the CP would hear two distinct clicks on their end. No words were exchanged.  If the LP had fallen asleep and did not respond the CP had to assume that either they fell asleep or had been killed by the VC. (as in DEAD SILENCE)

   Some would ask how in the hell you could fall asleep in the boonies when you may be surrounded by enemy. Well, after slogging through the rice paddies and jungle for most of the day carrying a heavy load, it was not to difficult to doze off and catch a few zzz's.  That is why the LP had two or three men who were supposed to all stay awake and alternate listening for the SIT-REP check.    The code was simple and effective but probably not the most secure way to insure safety. 

   When the Irma Hurricane came through Florida, I was reminded of the long ago security check. I have two old comrades from Nam living in Florida, One in Crystal River and one in Gainesville.  I posted a Facebook poke to both.

"If SIT-REP negative break squelch twice."

    Both responded with Click-Click and I knew they had survived the storm. Sometimes the simplest thing is still the best.