photograph

G0335 The “tree house” in the 720th MP Battalion cantonment, Long Binh Post, Bien Hoa Provence, III Corps Tactical Zone, Vietnam (December 1966) was first used for security purposes as a watch tower during the early days of the construction phase. Later it was used for night fire watch due to the close proximity of the canvas tents. The tower was linked with a walkie-talkie radio and land line telephone for communication with the Battalion duty officers station. When nature called the guard would rely on the duty officer to spell him, or...just let go over the side. During the monsoon season it was extremely hazardous duty! Courtesy of SP/4 George Schlitz B Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, October 1966 to March 1968, and SP/4 Allan M. Portnoy, B Company & 615th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, October 1966 to October 1967.