Officers said there were many security risks and a strong possibility of narcotics smuggling. But many said they supported the practice to keep peace within the increasingly disgruntled ranks of Americans still left in Vietnam. It was issued two weeks ago. So far permission for prostitutes to visit bases has been limited mostly to bases along South Vietnam's central coast.
The new practice started more than a year after all towns in the area were put off limits to soldiers except on official business. As many as 50 or 60 girls stand across the street from the gate of the Quincy compound, headquarters of the Quinhon Support Command, on typical evening and solicit soldiers who pass. The girls can then go with the soldiers to movies, clubs or to their rooms in the barracks.
The risk of security violations arises from the fact that a girl, to be admitted to the base need only produce a Vietnamese Government identity card, which is easily obtainable. Although the girls are barred from operations centers, they can move around freely enough to be able to observe defenses and the condition and position of war equipment.
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