Reflections

        During that period in 1967 the company consisted of approximately 230 men and 190 K-9’s, all German Shepherds. Of that number a special squad of Scout Dog Teams was developed consisting of 5 specially trained handlers and K-9’s. They also had 8 Veterinary Technicians and one was assigned to each detachment. Serious cases of K-9 illness or injuries would be sent to Saigon.

        The company Table of Orginazation & Equipment (TO&E) consisted of four, 1/4 ton trucks [jeeps], and three, 3/4 ton trucks and trailers. Each platoon headquarters unit was assigned 1 jeep and 1 truck and trailer, the fourth jeep was assigned to the Company Commander. Their weaponry at the time was 45 caliber side arms and M-16 rifles, there were no crew served weapons.

        The company maintained a total of 8 detachments, 2 in the north in I and II Corps and 6 in the south in III and IV Corps. The number of teams for staffing at each detachment depended on the mission. A team was one handler and one K9.

        The III Corps Detachments were, 1st Platoon & Company HQ, approximately 90 men, at Long Binh Post with a squad detachment at Bear Cat. The Long Binh Post assignments were perimeter security at the 3rd Ordinance Ammunition Depot, and Scout Dog Unit to assist the 720th MP Battalion Ambush & Recon mission in the Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR).

        The Bear Cat Detachment provided perimeter security at the ammunition storage depot and airfield.

        2nd Platoon Headquarters at Vung Tau, with a squad detachment at Tay Ninh. The Vung Tau and Tay Ninh Detachments provided perimeter security at the respective ammunition depot areas.

        IV Corps, 3rd Platoon Headquarters at Vinh Long with a squad detachment at Soc Trang. Both provided perimeter security at the respective airfields. There were also two detachments in the northern Corps. Information on these units is pending further research.

CPT Thomas Roberts, (COL Ret.) Commanding Officer, 212th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, November 1967 to June 1968.