Cavalry Afloat: The 39th Cavalry Platoon in the Mekong Delta

by Captaln Kevln Keaveney lntmductlon At many times throughout history small and unique units are forgotten when viewed as part of a larger conflict. Sometimes these units have important lessons to give and the 39th Cavalry Platoon was such an organization. The men of the 39th operated Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) whose current descendants are much more efficient and capable, and are already reappearing on today’s battlefields. It is important to record the 39th’ history so future planners can see how ACV technology was introduced into Army combat operations, and perhaps create or modify future programs.

During the late 196Os, three Army SK-5 ACVs were evaluated as weapon platfonns in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam. The mission of the assigned cavalry crewmen was threefold: *To evaluate the operational suitability and maintainability of the ACV,

*To determine the ACV’s potential capabilities for combat operations, *To determine the feasibility of employing a larger ACV unit and, as a result, recommend an appropriate organization.

Prior to 1968 there had been only two previous ACV combat experiences. The first took place in March 1965 on Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation by elements of the British Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit, equipped with SRN5s. The second event, which preceded and later ran concurrent with the Army ACV program, was the U. S. Navy PACV Vietnam operations from 1966 to 1969.’ Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle (PACV) Division 107, later Coastal Division 17, conducted operations with three SK-5s in much the same area as would the Army ACVs. Both the fust ACV unit commander, Major Donald G. Moore, and platoon sergeant, Staff Sergeant Ronald Crosby, spent time on Navy PACV operations before training up what would eventually become the 39th Cavalry Platoon (ACV)? To fill up the combat ranks of the Army unit, 11D cavalry scouts came from Ft Knox, Kentucky, while aviation mechanics came on board to maintain the SK-5’s aircraft systems and engines. In January 1968, the unit formed and began training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and by April had all three SK-5s on strength. SK-5 ACV Development The idea for the 39th’ SK-5s went back to the 1950s when the vision that vehicles could move on a layer of air was realized by such men as British hovercraft pioneer Christopher Cockerell. By the end of the decade, research had been going on in several countries, notably Great Britain and the United States, with positive results. In 1963. Bell Aerosystems, the leading American hovercraft company, entered into an agreement with British Hovercraft, the leading British company, to produce the latter’s designs in the United States. His was critical to the Army’s ACV program since the British SRNS, first built in 1964, became the basis for the Army SK-5.

The concept of the SK-5, as well as any Air Cushion Vehicle, was to create a layer of low pressure air under the craft by using a ducted fan and then capturing the air within a flexible skirt. Air escaping from under the skirt then created a gap that kept the vehicle from contact with smooth surfaces and allowed for frictionless movement. Compartmentation within the skirt maintained the cushion of air when crossing large obstacles. Design of the Army SK-5 began in 1966 and ended when the first example rolled off the production line in February, 1968. There were two versions, a weapons-heavy version known as Assault Air Cushion Vehicles (AACV), and a logistical version, the Transport Air Cushion Vehicle (TACV). Of the three built, two were AACVs and one a TACV. The design differed from the earlier Navy SK-5s in many ways. Gone were the many passenger windows, as well as the non-load-bearing decks: in their place, an armored crew compartment as well as weight-bearing side decks. Other improvements centered on the armament, armor, skirt, and directional control mechanisms.

SK-5 Design The metal hull of the 7255 had three parts, a center and two outer sections, and could be broken down to facilitate shipment. The center section contained the GE 7LM100-PJ102 engine, auxiliary power unit, British Westland transmission, 304-gallon self-sealing fuel tank, tail unit, and cargo compartment. The transmission linked the engine and lift fan together to provide lift and thrust. Air for the fan came from a bifurcated intake below the transmission; air for the engine entered intakes at the forward end of the nacelle. At the rear sat the tail unit consisting of twin rudders and elevators.

Above the engine air intakes sat the Decca 202 Radar dish. With a beam 30 degrees vertical and 2 degrees horizontal, capable of rotating 360 degrees, the radar could detect any target within 24 miles.

From the return, visible on a 744 inch cathode ray tube within the crew station, a bearing and range could be obtained. To make sure observers knew the “Naval” origins of the system the unit featured a bearing ring, rain and sea clutter controls. Tied to the radar was a navigation set, and gyrocompass.

The communications package consisted of a six-station intercom system, UHF-radios, and a radio security set. The AN/AFtC-54 FM radio quickly failed to live up to field use and could only muster a 35 percent operationally ready rate, and the unit sought to replace them with more reliable VRC-125s. No records con-f i i if replacement did in fact occur, but one ACV did receive a VRC46. Also carried on board were FM manpack radios for communications with dismounted elements. The two outer hull sections were compartmentalized to provide buoyancy. Above the outer sections were the load bearing decks, and underneath the 12-piece skirt. The skirt broke down into outer trunks, a keel trunk, stability trunks, and rear bags which contained the four foot cushion of air on which the vehicle rode. The driver could control vehicle movement at low speeds by dumping air via four hydraulically activated skirt segments, or releasing cushion air through the four “puff ports” located on the side of the outer hull sections. When large numbers of troops were carried, many would ride on the outer decks, the soldiers preferring the open due to the cooling effect of the breeze and uncomfortable conditions within the vehicle. Typically, two ACVs supported an infantry company on operations, and each could carry 12 soldiers at a time. One drawback of people riding on the outer decks was that objects, such as helmets and shell casings, fell into the lift fan and pmpel-ler. The most poignant example came during a November 1968 raid when a soldier, sitting near the lift fan intake, ‘fell into the fan, resulting in his death. Attempts-were made to comet this problem with afield expedient screen. Weighing only 8-!4 tons, the ACVs leant themselves to air transportation. CH-53 helicopters, capable of extemally carrying 20,000 lbs, transported ACVs back to base on more than one occasion. On a four-day reconnaissance in- force, he GAU-2 7.62-mm minigun was one armament option. mission, starting July 1,1968, two of three ACVs wcre damaged and required recovery, one after suffering engine problems, the other after plowing into a river bank, and when the soldier fell into the lift fan, a CH-53 went in to recover the ACV. The ACVs could also be carried in Air Force transports, which is how they were brought into Vietnam. SK-5 Armament originally the SK-5 had two M2. Socaliber machine guns in separate cupolas above and to the sides of the cargo compartment. The TACV had a third M2 mounted in the cargo bay, firing forward through the center window space. Rounding out the machine gun armament were two side-door M60 weapons. AACVs also mounted on the front lea deck an M5 40-mm grenade launcher, which could fire 230 rounds per minute from a 400-round supply at ranges up to 1,500 meters. By August 1970, the ACV’s armament underwent revision with one cupola carrying aGAU-2 minigun and the other a single M2; there was no change to the side door guns. Personnel also replaced the TACV’s front door M2 with a twin M60 mount.

On occasion, Xh434APD Personnel Detectors wen, takeu along on missions? The detectors, also known as “people sniffers,” had an operator’s console and a sniffer tube that ran to the outside of the ACV. The system could detect carbon, ammonia, and sigma emissions, the latter discharge being distinctive to humans. Its purpose was to identify hidden enemy forces by these emissions. Dog teams were also carried to assist the unit in detecting the enemy.

The SK-5 carried 1,OOO lbs of armor to protect it from direct fire weapons.“ The primary threats in the Delta were RPG-2, RPG-7, 57-mm and 75-mm recoilless rifles, and all could fire projectiles capable of penetrating the armor, plating around the crew compartment was only adequate against.30-caliber rounds at 100 yards/zero angle of obliquity, while the armor covering the engine, transmission, and fuel accessories could defeat, 5 0 4 -ber rounds at 200 yards/zero obliquity.

Damage became critical since the 1,OOO lbs of plating were composed of numerous, hand-fitted, and non-inter-changable sections. Reports mention, and an interview confirms, the removal of the armor around the crew compartment after initial combat operations to save weight. Interestingly, there were no recorded incidents of the ACVs ever actually taking fire from any large caliber direct-fire weapons.

Employment The 39th went to Vietnam shortly after the TET Offensive and conducted its fW mission on June 7, 1968. The mission, a five-hour over-water search and clear operation, saw all three ACVs insert and extract 30 boops, conduct sumeillance operations, and search watercraft, During the next 28 months, the ACVs undertook many different stroy (reconnaissance in force), search and clear, route security, raids, ambushes, and combat service support. Viet Cong and North Vietnamese presence was strong due to the remoteness and difficulty of traversing the m a with conventional troops. After TET, large scale enemy operations were no longer possible, but they were still attempting to infiltrate battalion-size elements into Saigon with no success. Tactics were primarily economy-of-force opefations on the small unit level, or participation in political activities. Their political goals were to influence the local population to support the Viet Cong movement and to discredit Government activities. Most enemy resupply came from Cambodia’s Parrot’s Be& region, only hours away. This safe haven, at least until Allied incursions during 1970, was readily accessible to the enemy by using the area’s extensive waterways.

The 9th Infantry Division (9th ID), specifically its 3d Brigade, was the higher headquarters for the 39th Cavalry Platoon (ACV). Originally, only one of the division’s three maneuver brigades had a riverine mission, but in 1968 that number grew to two to include the 3d Brigade. Under the command of Major General Julian J. Ewell, the 9th ID gained a reputation types of operations: search and de-as an extmnely aggressive unit specializing in nighttime operations? During the Same period the division's tactical area of operations shifted south and west away from Saigon and deeper into the Delta. In July, 1969, the 3d Brigade became a separate brigade under the operational control of the 25th Infantiy Division in prepam tion of the 9th ID(-) departing Vietnam in late summer 1969.

The principal document guiding 9th ID operations during the ACV years was the March 1966 MACV Study, Mekong Delta Mobile Ajloat Concept and Requirements! This document was based on French riverine (infantry with boats) experience in Vietnam, and it brought into existence the joint U. S. Army-Navy Mobile Riverine Force. The plan called for operations in the entire Delta region, but fell short, with the majority of operations north of the Bassac River. According to Thomas J. Cutler, author of Brown Water, Black Beret, 1961-1975, riverine forces " could be moved 100 to 200 kms in a %-hour period and could then launch a day or night operation within 30 minutes..." The force had an arsenal of specialized combat equipment: bargemounted artillery, helicopter landing barges, armored troop carriers, monitors, and both rotary and fued wing air assets. As part of the riverine force, ACV operations took place in the Mekong Delta and on the Plain of Reeds. The Mekong Delta encompasses 26,000 square miles, about a quarter of Vietnam's area, and home to half its population. For military considexa-tions the Delta is two distinct regions, a north and south, with the Basw River the dividing point. Concealment and cover is in the towns, as well as in thickets along canal and river banks. The 9,000 square miles of rice paddies are the primary obstacle to military operations. Maneuver is nearly impossible, due to agricultural dikes and usually flooded rice paddies. Annual rainfall is over 100 inches, with intense heat for a good part of the year.

With less than 10 feet of difference in elevation, there is little key terrain. The primary avenues of approach are the five branches of the Mekong, the Song Vam Co, the Song Sai Gon, and the Song Dong Nai rivers. Besides the rivers, which run west to east, the other major avenues of approach are the highways, which follow a mostly north-south route connecting towns and small cities. From the north, the road network originates in Saigon, with National Highway 4 running from the capital all the way to Ca Mau in the extreme south. Along the Bassac River runs Interprovincial Routes 10 and 27, west to east, and Interprovincial Routes 31, 8A, and 9, north to south.

Multitudes of smaller waterways and canals crisscrossed the area and created varying degrees of difficulty to the ACVs, depending on the tidal level. With a tidal range from 5 to 10 feet, low levels usually meant a longer run from the water to the dry land above for the ACVs? The greater the distance and gradient, the more difficult for the ACV to negotiate. Even with the ability to clear four-foot obstacles, the ACV could not handle gradients greater than 18 degrees from low speeds, or short runs of 38 degrees with a beginning speed of 50 miles per hour.

The area of the Delta from the west of Saigon to the Cambodian border is the Plain of Reeds. Concealment and cover is mostly dense grass, thick reeds, stands of trees, and other types of vegetation. The flat and inundated Plain can have one to six feet of water, depending on the season, and itself is an obstacle to most forms of tmnsportation, being inhospitable and difficult to navigate. For the ACV, the plain was the optimum operating environment, because there were few steep grades. However, some of the canals and waterways, like those in the Delta, were narrower than the ARMOR - July-AUgUSf 1993 ACV itself and did not allow for vehicle operations.

Most ACV operations were combined arms in nam. One such mission, a search and destroy operation, took place on October 14, 1968, 40 kms south of Saigon, within and along Go Cong Island. In a classic example of &Land tactics, helicopters from D Troop, 3-5 Cavalry (Air) provided long-range fire while the ACVs and dismounted combat troops maneuvered and overran the objective? During 39th combat operations, OH-6s or UH-1s played a key role by providing command and control when the ACVs were in unfamiliar or heavily defended areas.

One goal of the 39th was to disrupt future enemy options as well as those currently underway. To do that, the 39th routinely captured enemy supplies hidden in caches. During the October 14 search and destroy mission, the enemy suffed 35 KIA and POW, and most importantly the loss of 400 lbs of weapons, packs, and documents. On a number of other oc-Above, a Ranger fro the 3d Brigade, 9th II patrols the Plain Reeds as ACV waits.

The combined arms n; hrre of the 9th IDS fori in the Delta is obvious photo at right, whit shows barge-mountc floating artillery tied I along a river bank Long An province, pr paring to fire a missbn suppott of infanby.

Bebw, one of lhe dec mounted 105-mm how Zen. Them wem lwo c each barge. casions, other significant caches were found by the ACVs. As an example, in November and December, 1969, the ACV unit recovered 126 82-mm rounds, 166 B-40 rockets, 196 hand grenades, 36 B-41 rockets, 40 AT grenades, 357 lbs of explosives, four Chinese claymores, plus automatic weapons and ammunition.

The high speed, maneuverability, and radar of the ACV were all combat multipliers allowing for improved tracking and pursuit of the enemy. The top speed of the ACV meant swift penetration into hostile areas, while vegetation, as in the Plain of Reeds, helped conceal the vehicle from early detection. Under the cover of darkness, and against an enemy without night vision devices, the ACV did effectively conduct ambushes. Done in conjunction with dismounted ambushes, ACV ambushes made heavy use of indirect illumination and hand flares to maximize effectiveness. Surprisingly, however, the first ambush did not take place until November 24, 1%9, 18 months after the 39th' introduction into Vietnam. As time went on it became clear there were similarities between ACV and helicopter operations. In general, the ACVs became a kind of helicopter in permanent ground effect. Troop insertions and extractions took place in much the same manner and like helicopters, the ACVs drew fire to identify hidden enemy positions. At other times, ACVs were used in combination with helicopter assault companies to bolster lift capabilities. On March 3, 1969, the ACVs and two helicopter assault companies supported all four infantry battalions of the division's 1st Brigade during a highly successful engagement with enemy forces? But the biggest difference between the two weapons systems is that the ACVs could stay in very close proximity to the troops, like a tank or personnel carrier in mechanized or armor units. 1970 Proposal for an Air Cushion Vehicle Cavalry Assault Troop l x SK-5 1 x SK6 2xWtontwk 2x9/r-lonW Troop Totals: 6 Officers 1 Warrant Onicer 117 Enlisted yllntmana -PPV

Moss saction S.ctlon saction l C w o R s EM 10 EM 6 EM 1 x SK6 3xPMontanker lxt1&0nlrudc 3 x 2 %. lonW 2xPWonlrudc 3 x SK-5 3 x SK-5 ARMAMENT Each plabmn would camprlse three SK-5s. Iwo armed with lhe M5 40-mrn grenade launcher. 2 0 - m cannon, S O caliber MG. and MW 7.62-mm MGs. and one armd with TOW, S O caliber MG and MW MG. Like ground combat vehicles, the ACV could be damaged by mines and indeed, these devices proved the greatest threat. Eventually, enemy mines accounted for both AACVs. The first was lost to a mine on January 9, 1970, but some question remains as to whether it was a mine or a dud 500 Ib bomb. Nevertheless, of the 17 personnel on board, 14 were hurt, no one killed, and all but one person quickly returned to duty." On August 3, 1970, the second met a worse fate when it left a waterway the day after a night ambush." The device that destroyed this ACV is believed to have been a command detonated mine, and the explosion resulted in three KIA Major Barry F. Graham, and SP5s Kent C. Wolf and Lany Joe Three men died in the destruction of this ACV on August 3, 1970, probably due to a mine. Meador.

Others were seriously wounded, to include SP4s Jack Kavanagh and Tommy Macauley. Formal ACV Evaluatlon Even though the 39th stayed in Vietnam for over two years, most of the decisions about future employment were made within the first 12 months. The formal ACV evaluation'* took place betwen June and December 1968. The evaluation, written by Major Moore, clearly outlined the pros and cons of the ACV as had been tasked before the 39th entered combat. Some system shortcomings, such as the armament, were improved later in the deployment. *Operational Suitability and Maintainability of the ACV Suitability. The ACV works best in an environment such as the Plain of Reeds west of Saigon. The ACV did provide a unique cross country mobility not possible by any other system as long as the operations took place within marsh areas, coastaI or inland waterways.

Maintainability of the SK-5 over the 39 missions of the evaluation fell out with a mission ready rate of 55.7 percent, a Not Operationally Ready for Maintenance rate of 22.8 percent, and a Not Operationally Ready for Supply rate of 21.5 percent. The maintenance rate Came to 1.14 hours for every hour of operation.. Potential Capabilities of the ACV for Combat Operations.

The evaluation report stated a potential capability of the ACV for combat operations, but considered the vehicle to be underarmed and that a need existed to expand the vehicle's weapons capability. Suggested weapons were the GAU-2 minigun, TOW missiles, or 1Wmm recoilless rifle. In addition, smoke generators and an l&inch xenon seaddight would also have improved ACV combat effectiveness. *Feasibility of Employing a Larger ACV Unit in Vietnam and an Appropriate Organization: USARV desired to have a larger force of ACVs available for opentions in Vietnam and, as a result, requested 12 ACVs; the Department of the Army later reduced this number to

6. In the end, no further ACVs were produced, and none were sent to Vietnam. Along with the request was a proposed MTOE for an ACV cavalry troop of 124 people (see wiring diagram, preceding page). Of the 12 ACVs, ten were to be SK-5s and two SK-6s. The SK-6 was 10 feet longer and meant to cany 18 passengers more than the SK-5. The SK-5s were to be armed with a mixture of 20-mm cannons or TOW missiles, as well as SO-caliber machine guns.

Tralnlng and Support During their deployment in Vietnam, the ACVs operated from several different locations. During one period, the 39th operated out of Ben Luc in Long An Province, close to the Plain of Reeds.13 Along a river, there emerged perforated steel planking where the ACVs were parked for maintenance and when not being used. Past a small cove and back on the river was a barge that constituted both the living quarters and headquarters for the 39th. Sharing the base was a Navy UH-1 outfit that was also part of the mobile riverine force. When not at Ben Luc, the ACVs typically deployed from fire support bases (FSB). The bases provided the ACVs with mortar and artillery fire, to include illumination missions when in combat.

The unit only had 35 authorized personnel. Training of personnel replacements became vital in late 1969 and early 1970 when a high turnover materialized due to rotational policie.' During the period, over 16 people left, to include the commander, a vehicle commander, and all three primary drivers, in addition to others. Nha Be, the oil storage and naval facility south of Saigon, became an ACV training center. Sites like Nha Be were necessary because no ACV replacement training occurred in the United States. At least one six-day driver course took place and included extensive over-water training to help ease drivers to the challenge of piloting an ACV.

To support the 39th, Bell Aerosystems maintained afield site to help with maintenance and to coordinate the logistical needs of the unit. Maintenance of the ACV was unique

- there only three vehicles and no parts replacement mechanism within the Army's logistical system. To limit the degradation of the ACV force, a rotation system was developed so that one vehicle would always be kept back at base for maintenance. This allowed the unit to keep a viable force of two ACVs in the field and still allow for proper maintenance of the third. On occasion, however, all three ACVs did operate together.

There is little documentation on the 39th in Army or Bell archives. Only about 100 people actually served in the unit, and the overall impact of the three ACVs on the Army was slight. Locating former unit members was nearly impossible. Jack Kavanagh, the only one to be found, graciously provided his time and memorabilia to help record the unit's history. Additionally, Major General Julian J. Ewe11 (USA, Retired), former 9th ID Commander, and Major General Jim Hunt (USA, Retired), former 9th ID Chief of Staff, gave their own recol-i a ARMOR - July-AugUSt 7993 lections and impssions of the 39th Platoon. James D. O'Bryan, Director, ACV Lighterage Programs, Textron Marine Systems, spent much time providing elusive technical and manufacturer details. The U. S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and the Transportation Museum, Ft. Eustis, Virginia, also provided much needed assistance.

The 39th ACV platoon ceased combat operations on August 31, 1970, and later began standdown operations at Di An with equipment turn-in at Long Binh. The surviving ACV went back to the United States and is now on display at the Army Transportation Museum. In September, the 39th Cavalry Platoon (ACV) officially left Vietnam. Under the command of Majors David G. Moore, Duane B. Root, and Berry Graham, the 39th Cavalry Platoon (ACV) twice eamed the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Palm for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy from December 1, 1966 through June 30, 1968, and firom July 29, 1969 through July 20, 1970. Additionally, the unit also was twice presented the Republic of Vietnam Civic Actions Honor Medal for performance of duty between May 1968-June 28, 1969, It is clear the ACV hixi a psychological impact in Vietnam against the enemy in support of the Allies. Large, noisy, and fast, it eamed the nickname monster from the enemy, and to the Allies provided a reassuring feeling because it could go into difficult areas. There was little agreement and even less high level support for the SK-5s and their mission in Vietnam. In the end, the 39th, by virtue of its equipment, became one of the most unique cavalry units ever fielded in the United States Army and, by the deeds of its men, built a posi-and July 26, 1969-July 20, 1970. tive reputation among the soldiers who served beside them in the Delta of South Vietnam.

Footnotes 'The Coast Guard later received the USN SK-5s and modified them to meet other mission requirements. Changes included an observation dome in place of the 50-d mount. KAAR LN66 radar, and SAR equipment. USCG eventually put the SK-5s in a unit at Fort Point, San Francisco Bay, Caliiomia June's Surface Skim-mer Systems, 73-74, New Yorlc. McGraw-Hill Book Company, p. 9 2 'During its existence there were several titles for the Anny ACV mit: Air Cushion Vehicle Test Unit. 9th Infantry Division, Armor F'latm Air Cushioned (Provisional), and Air Cushion Vehicle Unit.

30pemti0l Report LcsJonr Learned, Headquarters. 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, Period Ending 30 April 1970 (U). 2 September 1970, Republic of Vietnam. 4Armor on the ACV roughly equal to the po-tcction on a M113. Committee Studies Repoct. "The Air Cushion Vehicle in Armor Organizations." CPTs A. H. Gaylor. R Miles, D. Richardson. W. A. Russell, Office of the Director of Instruction, U. S. Army Armor School, 1%9, p. 9. The Delta was conducive to night operations because of deaivity of the water. Senior off-cer Debriefng Program. Conversations between Lt. Gen. Julian J. Ewell (Ret.) and Mr. Robelt Crowley & Lt. Col. Harmon M. Bissell, McLean, Va.. 1979, p. 65. 'Cutler, Thomas J. Brown Water. Bhck Berets. 1961-1975, United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland, 1988. pp. 30-31. 'Telephone interview with Major General Ju-l i

J. Ewell (USA, Retired), former 9th ID Commanding General, October 30.1992. ARMOR - h- 'An Air Cavalry Troop for a Divisional Cavalry Squadron had on strength nine AH-1G Cobras, nine OH6A. two UH-1Bs. and six UH-1Ds. Shelby C. Stanton, Viefmm Ordrr ofBat-t k. New Yo&, Galahad Books. 1986. p. 48. velephone interview with Major General Jim Hunt (USA, Retired). former 9th ID Chief of Staff, November 14.1992. loOpetational Repott of Air Cushion Vehicle Unit for Period Ehding 31 January 1970. Republic of Vietnam. Major Duane B. Root. "Letts received fmn Jack Kavanagh, December 1992.

"U. S.

Army. Concept Team in Vietnam. "Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV): Final Report of Evaluation." Typescript photocopy. Hcadquar-ters, 9th Infantry Division, 10 January 1%9. p. I3Letter received fran Jack Kawagh. De-72. ARMY-ACllV-ACV-ENSUl33, VNcOn. cember 1992.

I4 Root, p. 3.

Captain Kevin Keaveney was commissioned in Armor under the ROTC Early Commissioning Program in 1981. A graduate of the University of Arizona, he is currently pursuing his Master's Degree from Boise State University. Previous assignments include armor platoon leader, observer-controller at the NTC, and various battalion and brigade assistant staff officer positions. He is currently the assistant SWS3 for the 3d Brigade, 100th Division (Training).