Road /Highway Security Patrols Several of the many nicknames..."Zap Patrol"..."Rat Patrol"..."Road Runner." The patrols were assigned to specific roads and highways within the units area of operation (AO) in close proximity to their military installation.

     When available some patrols would work combined with U.S. MPs accompanied by Vietnamese MPs and National Police,

     Most daytime patrols were conducted in open top jeeps and the MPs carried only their M16 rifles along with their standard sidearm depending on the units standard operating procedures. Pole mounted M-60 machine guns when in short supply were usually reserved for the day and nighttime security patrols unless enemy activity changed the road condition status or availability improved. The two man daylight patrols without the M-60 involved primarily traffic enforcement and control issues. The security patrols with the M-60 were staffed with 3 man teams.

     Their daylight objectives were to enforce traffic regulations, assist disabled military vehicles, investigate vehicle crashes, set up checkpoints to curtail unauthorized use of military vehicles. With the often poor road conditions, unpredictable weather and civilian traffic clogging the roads during the daylight hours, prevention of speed induced accidents was a priority.

     The nighttime patrols were often conducted in armored gun jeeps when available, objectives were to curtail unauthorized use of military vehicles, curfew violations, and insure the highways are clear of any disabled military vehicles. Their presence was also to deter enemy movement via unauthorized Vietnamese civilian traffic. Most areas around Long Binh Post and other bases were under strict curfew, both Vietnamese and military. Many military units also restricted the use of their vehicles off post after darkness.

        The night patrols would often run the major roadways in groups of two or three gun jeeps, for safety. If they encountered military traffic they would escort it through their patrol area or to a local installation depending on the road condition alert status posted by the local Provost Marshal. They also had their regular hot spots on some roadways where trade in prostitution, drugs, and black market goods would be available to any U.S. or allied soldiers that were foolish enough to sneak off post to visit during the hours of darkness.

        Many patrols were also used to promote the various Civic Action Programs (CAP) within their Area of Operations. During the CAP Patrols the MPs would respond to any civilian emergencies as well as enforcing military traffic and access regulations.