Australian Life in Vietnam How long did the Aussies go out bush ? Australian soldiers spent up to 2 months straight at times when out in the bush during operations of various sorts. That is they left the base at Nui Dat (1ATF) and didnt go back there for months,eating,sleeping and spending this whole time on patrol. This led to serious fatigue,roting clothes and poor health of those out. After a short break working back at their base,cleaning up the lines (tents),patroling the base area and performing all the regular duties of a soldier,then it was back out bush yet again for more hard patrolling. What did they do on Patrol ? Australian soldiers patrolled their area of tactical responsibility. This was in the provence of Phuoc Tuy east of Siagon. Australian patrols used the "Slow & Quiet" method. Most standard patrols would be over a week and cover allocated grid squares on a map,an area covering several kilometres. They would be given this area on inteligence reports of enemy activity. It was then a matter of covering each grid square (1 x 1 kilometre) to look for signs of the enemy (Tracks,Camps or Bunkers). A patrol might decide to ambush a track,junction or bunker site. This was a matter of setting up the ambush and laying in wait to see what came along. What did the Aussie carry in Vietnam ? Below is a list of items as was carried in the field by most Australian soldiers. The items listed come from personal reflections and accounts told by veterans. Primary Weapon - M16 or SLR & Cleaning Kit for weapon. Ammunition Preloaded into magazines in pouches and Bandoliers. Secondary Weapon - M72 rocket Launcher etc. Spare ammo belts for the squad M60 - 200 rounds linked. Smoke Grenades - Red,White,Purple and Green. Fragmentation Grenades - Two or more. Spare battery for squad PRC 25 radio - Radio if your unlucky. Claymore Mine , Cable and Clicker for night defences. Water Canteens - Up to 8 of these plus purifying tabs. Sleeping gear - Cover , Bag and Liner Hootchie - One man or clipped together as a two man tent. Smokes - A Book - Torch - Matches - Cards - Writing Material Camera - Sun Screen and Bug Juice - Tooth Paste. Food Stuffs for one week,Mess Kit and Utensils,Cooking Device. Spare Clothing wasnt carried,clean pants & shirts were flown in with resupply each week... usually. The list goes on ............... Well over 30 kilos was carried on their person....... Back to Information Page Please check HERE for items wanted for Collection Please use this EMAIL for any contact.