A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur and Rose Machen

February 10, 1970

In the rear (CAP School)

Dear Mom and Pop,

I got the pictures and they are great.  I've put them in my album with the rest.

As of now, I'm in CAP school (Combined Action Program).  I'll be here for two weeks then I'll go back to Kilo.  In March, Kilo, as far as I know, won't exist anymore after the 26th pulls out.  The captain has picked 50 men out of the company to be in a CAP unit which he will command.  We will probably stay in the same villages we are in now.  10 of these 50 men were picked to go to CAP school for training in language (radio -- calling in airstrikes, medevacs, artillery and supply choppers), also, mapping and compass reading, Viet customs, hygiene, first aid, strategic pacification and do’s + don'ts in a Vietnamese village.  It's pretty interesting.  I'm working damn hard.  Classes run from 0800 to 2000.  So you see I don't have much time.  I've been in the bush for six months and I'm a little salty.  Here we have to make formations, shine boots and shave every day.  This will be two weeks of hell.  Can't wait to get back to the bush.

Well, I'll have to go.

Love to all,

Pete

PS

My address is the same