reports and records. Renewed emphasis on the accuracy of information obtained through the PERMACAP system and the use of the personnel information roster as an output of the 1002 computer were key points in improving the overall operations. As a result, the efforts of the 222d Personnel Services Company effected an error rate which was lower than any other major subordinate command of USARV util1zing the PERMACAP system. In June 1969, a brigade courier run, provided by the 222d Personnel Services Company, was expanded to include Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay. Through this system, the Commander and staff of the 44th Medical Brigade were capable of communicating with subordinate commanders within a matter of hours, with a more expeditious processing and distribution of all special orders. In November 1969, the 222d Personnel Services Company initiated a program of meeting all incoming Army Medical Department (AMEDD) officers at the 90th Replacement Battalion. This program involved reception of the officers by an enlisted representa­tive of the 222d Personnel Services Company and escorting the officers to the USARV Surgeon's Office for interview and during their processing at the 90th Replacement Battalion. This procedure enabled most AMEDD officers to be on station at their unit of assignment within 24 hours after arrival at the 90th Replacement Battalion. S-3 The mission of the brigade S-3 section remained essentially unchanged throughout 1969. The four-part mission as stated in Medical Brigade Memo 10-1, dated 9 June 1969 was as follows: Formulate plans and directives to implement the policies of the brigade commander and exercise staff supervision over activities pertaining to medical plans, operations, training, aeromedical evacuation operations, medical regulating operations and intelligence relating to units assigned or attached to the brigade Provide technical and administrative guidance to subordinate commanders on the operation of medical facilities under their command Collect, evaluate, interpret and consolidate medical data from assigned and/or attached medical units Collect, evaluate, and disseminate intelligence information as appropriate. The S-3 section was divided into five major sub-sections: Plans, Operations, S-2, Medical Regulating, and. Aviation. 'The communications element, formerly the responsibility of the Aviation subsection, was transferred to Operations and is supervised by the Assistant Operations Officer who also served as the Brigade Communications Officer. S-3 Operations The year 1969 could rightly be divided into four distinct periods. The first half of the year was a period of relative stability, some scaling down of medical activities