Known as the men with the painted faces. This special unit was first deployed into Vietnam going deep behind enemy lines against the Viet Cong and NVA.
There role was to deploy in small groups of 5 – 6 men to conduct reconnaissance missions and also ambush missions in larger platoon size teams.
Unlike the drafted US Army soldiers that deployed. These soldiers had legendary exploits.
The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol were initially part of the US Army Rangers, but have there own strong history from the steamy jungles of South East Asia.
The war in Vietnam made for the perfect environment for the unconventional skill set of the LRRP.
In December 1965, the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, formed a LRRP platoon, and by April 1966, the 1st Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade formed LRRP units as well.
On 8 July 1966, General William Westmoreland authorized the formation of a LRRP unit (Pronounced LURP)in each infantry brigade or division in Vietnam.
By 1967 formal LRRP companies were organized, most having three platoons, each with five six-man teams equipped with VHF/FM AN/PRC-25 radios, which differ quite a bit from the compact models of today.
LRRP training was notoriously rigorous and team leaders were often graduates of the U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces Recondo School in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The Australian and New Zealand SAS conducted a similar role in the Vietnam conflict.
Source: Wikipedia
LRRP Patrol In Vietnam
