Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume III, Vietnam, January–August 1963

49. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Bundy) to the Secretary of Defense (McNamara)¹

I-21382/63

Washington, March 5, 1963.

Problem: To act on a JCS recommendation for increase of the GVN paramilitary force levels that are authorized MAP support.²

Discussion: The GVN paramilitary force levels now authorized for MAP support are compared below with those proposed 21 Feb 63 by the JCS:

	Current	Proposed
Civil Guard	81,000	86,000
Self Defense Corps	80,000	104,100
Junk Force	None (some materiel support)	4,100

The increases recommended by the JCS will support the planned intensified national effort, meet the time-phased requirements of “clear and hold” operations, and support the strategic hamlet program in South Vietnam. The main objective in increasing the paramilitary strength to the proposed levels is to ensure permanent control in areas secured as the national campaign progresses. The proposed levels were developed by applying a formula that allows, for example, two squads of SDC for each secure village, one platoon for each village not under government control, one platoon for each group of three villages, and one platoon for each training center. Requirements developed in this manner were 2500 platoons and 1600 squads. Civil Guard requirements were estimated by province in a parallel manner. It is anticipated that the Junk Force will be a continuing paramilitary operation that should be regularized to a status comparable with the SDC. CINCPAC foresees the future and continuing requirement to be 4,600 junk sailors to man 644 junks. The actual strengths on 15 Jan 63 were Civil Guard—77755 and SDC—99797.

A related consideration is the Comprehensive Plan for South Vietnam (CPSVN) that has been proposed by CINCPAC to provide for bringing the counterinsurgency effort to a successful conclusion, withdrawing U.S. special military assistance, and developing within the GVN a capability to defend against the continuing threat in Southeast Asia. The JCS are currently preparing recommendations as to the CPSVN, and the ensuing force levels for FY 64 and subsequent years. The FY 63 force levels that would be approved if the attached memorandum is signed are compatible with the force levels proposed by CINCPAC in the CPSVN.

The proposed increases for FY 63 can, according to the JCS and CINCPAC, be accommodated within the currently approved FY 63 MAP funding ceiling.

Recommendation: That you sign the attached memorandum.³

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 69 A 3131, Vietnam 091.4 thru 320.00 1963. Secret. Wood concurred in the memorandum for the Department of State.
2. In memorandum JCSM-152-63 to the Secretary of Defense, February 21, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended that fiscal year 1963 MAP support be authorized for the increase in South Vietnamese paramilitary force levels noted in this memorandum. (Ibid.)
3. On March 8, McNamara signed the attached memorandum to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that reads as follows:

   “MAP support is authorized for FY 63 GVN paramilitary force levels of 86,000 Civil Guard, 104,100 Self Defense Corps, and 4,100 Junk Force personnel.”