McNamara Seeking ‘Massive Firepower'

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30965, 22 January 1966, Page 13

McNamara Seeking ‘Massive Firepower'

f.K.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, January 21. The United States Defence Secretary, Robert McNamara, told Congress yesterday of plans for a “massive application of firepower” in Vietnam.

He warned that the United States must be prepared to commit more forces to Vietnam if Communist activity there increased.

Budgeting was based on the assumption that the fighting would continue until June, 1967, he said.

Mr McNamara was appearing before the Senate armed services and appropriations committees in support of President Johnson’s request for an extra 12.760 million dollars to finance the Vietnam war. He said: “Our operational plans call for a massive application of firepower to enhance the effectiveness of our forces and reduce casualties.” The biggest single increase in unit strength would be the creation of a new Marine division—the fourth. Of the three present Marine divisions, nearly two were now in Vietnam. Mr McNamara estimated that United States ground forces, including the helicopter units that work with them, were using ammunition at the rate of 100 m dollars’ worth a month.

Higher Rate “We are now budgeting for a consumption rate considerable higher.” he added. Air ammunitions were being used at the rate of about 110 m dollars monthly. Additional forces for Vietnam would be determined on the basis of requests from the United States high command there —and upon what the Communists might do. Mr McNamara said that in March of 1905. United States planes had flown 800 attack sorties. By June the number had increased to 2800. and by December to more than 5000 The additional funds the President was asking for would add 45.599 men to *he Army’s strength. 8025 to the Navy. 54,994 to the Marines, and 4225 to the Air Force. Under the Government’s

proposed new bill, the Marines and the Air Force would order the production of the first plane designed specifically for counter-insurgency warfare. It would be a fairly low, slightly-armed reconnaissance | plane, capable of short take- ■ offs. ' More Planes , Mr McNamara said money was needed for 906 planes, mostly for combat, 2005 helicopters, 659 tracked combat vehicles and 4830 Hawk antiaircraft missiles. No withdrawal of forces now in Europe was contemplated. These forces would remain at their present strength. Nor was there any plan for calling up reserves at the present time.