Intelligence reports in June, in conjunction with the invaluable information gathered by the SASR, located D445 VC Battalion and 3/33 NVA Regiment east of Route 2 along the border between Phuoc Tuy and Long Khanh in an area 30km north of the Australian base at Nui Dat.
The concept of operations called for a significant blocking force to be inserted, with 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) deployed along the line of Suoi Ran river, A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment to their west and 2/8th Battalion, 3rd US Cavalry Regiment to the north-east.