Note 7-B — CHAPTER 7 The Laotian Crisis, 1962 Genesis of the Problem—The American Response—The Marine Corps Role—Marine Participation: A Summary

The MEB’s after action report pointed out one flaw in the composition of the Provisional MAG. There had been no provision made to include light observation aircraft in its organization. As a result, aerial reconnaissance had to be accomplished from either A-4Cs or HUS-1s, neither of which was configured for such a mission. The A-4C, which could carry only the pilot, and the HUS-1 proved equally unsuited for reconnaissance missions. The 3d MEB report specifically recommended that future composite aviation packages of this nature should include a detachment of OEs with pilots and trained aerial observers.