Exact Date Unknown   Sometime during August-September and October the Battalion communications office was relocated from the old TOC to a building near the battalion headquarters. One of the problems faced during relocation was obtaining three-phase power. After the move the office was operating off of temporary electrical lines attached to nearby buildings. The temporary set up hampered the communication operations due to frequent power failures. Permanent three-phase power was essential to operate the radio Teletype machine that was often the only effective method of communications with B Company elements located in Vinh Long and other remote detachments in Military Region IV in the Mekong Delta.

Tay Ninh Detachment  The A Company Tay Ninh Provost Marshals Office was relocated from Tay Ninh West to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) Compound at Tay Ninh East. The vacated provost marshal office and troop billets were virtually destroyed by enemy rockets and sappers during the 23 July attack. The moving process was completed in one day with minimal interruption of the mission.

     The following Battalion personnel were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, SP/4 George F. Long, II of B Company, CPT Gary M. Gracon of HQ Detachment, SSG Gary W. Riemer (2nd award), and SP/4 Carol H. Allen of C Company.

Phu Loi Detachment  1LT James R. Creed of A Company was assigned as the new Battalion Provost Marshal at Phu Loi on Highway QL-13 in Bien Hoa Province, Military Region III.

Can Tho Detachment  1LT James R. Kent is assigned as the 22nd Provost Marshal Detachment operations officer at the Can Tho Detachment in Phong Dinh Province, Military Region IV.

     1LT Bernal R. Anderson was assigned as the A Company executive officer.

     The 18th MP Brigade recalled all Agent CS XM32 [tear gas] dispersers from the Battalion, and reassigned them to the 95th MP Battalion for assignment to the Long Binh Post Drug Treatment Holding Center (DTHC) at the USARV Stockade. Select Battalion enlisted personnel had previously been trained in the use of and maintained the dispersers since May as part of the Battalion Reaction Force weapons inventory.

Editors Note: The hand held "X=experimental" XM32 dispenser (known today as a personal protection "Pepper Spray" canister) was used to apprehend, control, or subdue (with minimum force) an individual or small groups of individuals who are engaged in illegal acts such as trespassing, illegal entry, riot, or assault. The purpose of the M32 disperser is individual targeting, which results in minimal contamination of streets, buildings, and surrounding areas.

Bear Cat Detachment  1LT William A. D’Andrea of A Company was assigned as the Provost Marshal at the Bearcat base camp on Highway QL-15 in Bien Hoa Province, III Corps Tactical Zone.

     1LT Michael D. Wiatrowski was assigned as the commanding officer of Battalion HQ Detachment.

Phu Loi Detachment - 212th MP Company  A detachment of thirty Sentry Dog handlers and their K9’s from the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog) were deployed to the Phu Loi base camp based on the increase in enemy ground probes and sapper attacks to which the base camp and other critical facilities was subjected. Due to the immediate requirement for the Sentry Dog support, some of the normal requirements such as hot water and the proper kennel facilities were waived in order to exploit deployment. A commitment was made to provide the necessary support by 1 September 1971 .

     The Battalion was required to provide forty enlisted men and one officer in support of the Drug Abuse Holding Center (DAHC) pending redeployment of the 300th MP Company from Chu Lai to Long Binh Post.

     Considerable difficulty was experienced in providing this number of personnel and continuing the normal battalion mission. Discipline, law and order patrol activities were curtailed at Phu Loi, Vung Tau, Tay Ninh, Xuan Loc and Bearcat Detachments. The Battalion convoy escort missions were also curtailed.

     The Battalion Reaction Force under the command of MAJ Herman C. Statum the battalion executive officer, provided security for the 5th Miss America USO tour of Long Binh Post. The stop at Long Binh Post was one of many in South Vietnam during the 22-day tour. Several enlisted men of the battalion were chosen to dine with Miss America-Phyllis George and her entourage representing Miss Arizona-Karen Griffin, Miss Arkansas-Donna Jo Connelly, Miss Iowa-Cheryl Browne, Miss New Jersey-Hela Yungst, Miss Nevada-Vicky Jo Todd, and Miss Texas-Bellinda Myrick during a special luncheon in the battalion consolidated mess hall.

     Three of the MP’s have been identified as SP/4’s Randy M. Lasseter of the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog), and Ted Latham and Donald Banta of HQ & HQ Detachment. Following the meal the group visited C Company compound where one of their V100 Armored Commando Cars had the name “Miss America” painted on its side in red, white and blue letter.

Saigon Capital District  South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu was facing a challenge from his Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky and GEN Duong Van Minh in the presidential election scheduled for 3 October. President Thieu needed a large victory for his party in the Lower House Parliamentary elections, and given the tensions of the time there was always rumors circulating of possible domestic political unrest or enemy activity designed to disrupt the process.

     The U.S. official policy was to avoid any appearance of influence so during elections MACV insured that the U.S. military kept a low profile but remained ready to defend the Saigon Military District.

     The Battalion was placed on high alert status from 1900 to 0700 hours: and low alert status from 0700 to 1900 hours: daily until 31 August during the Vietnamese Lower House Parliamentary elections. Although there were no requirements to deploy the reaction force, a 15-minute reaction time under alert conditions necessitated the troops to sleep with their uniforms on and equipment at the ready.

      The elections culminated without any disruptions and President Thieu obtained the majority of seats he was hoping for.

     CPT William S. Grouse was assigned as the Battalion Chaplain.

Vung Tau Detachment  The Battalion waterway security mission in the Vung Tau Harbor was transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy. The preparation of the Boston Whalers and Patrol Boat Riverine (PBR’s) for turnover commenced from June to 15 August.

     The 24-hour alert status of the Battalion Reaction Force begun on 24 August for the Vietnamese Lower House Parliamentary elections was terminated.