What's a PHR (PHE?) Squadron

[dedhed]

According to Kerry's military record, that was his second choice for Vietnam duty assignment, after the Swift Boat. Anyone know exactly what a PHR (or does it say PHE?) Squadron is?

[markbark]

1. A little googling turned this up....

From http://www.balagan.org.uk/war/1939/CEF.htm


EHR is Escadron Hors Rang (Outstanding Squadron). The EHR is the squadron whose function is to rule the day to day activities of a unit. It is responsible of the supply and the administration, all but the mechanical duties. In each fighting squadrons there is a PHR, a platoon who had the same functions as the EHR.

T'would seem that a PHR unit is sort of equivalent to an HHQ company. (i.e the clerks, medical units, C2, etc..... those that support the mission of the battalion as a whole)

[dedhed]

2. RE: "A little googling turned this up...."

Thanks for the link, but I'm not sure that answers my question...

Kerry wasn't in the French Expeditionary Corps. Does the US Navy's PHR Squadron serve the same function as the FEC's? If so, why have a position called "Patrol Officer" in a supply and administration squadron?

[dedhed]

3. Update

Hmmm... According to the http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq78-2.htm">Abbreviations Used for Navy Enlisted Ratings, a PHR is...

PHR - Photographer's Mate (Camera Repairman)

Again, that doesn't quite spark my plugs. Would there have been a whole squadron of Camera Repairmen?

[dedhed]

4. Update... part 2.

I posted my question on one of the JohnKerry.com forums. Here's the answer...

It probably says PBR not PHR.

A PBR was a 40 Ft. Fiberglass river patrol boat with a 4 man crew.

That makes sense.