'Service Time Experience', the second variable, plots by month the sum of each soldier's length of regimental service and is one possible way to measure a regiments' combat preparedness. In other words, a soldier is considered to have more service time experience for each month he is present in the regiment and therefore might be a more effective soldier. At the end of each month a regimental value is calculated by adding together each man's total service time experience. It is this regimental value that is plotted on the graph. New, wounded/absent, and killed soldiers reduce this monthly value while each month present for a soldier adds to it.

The chart above shows an increase in total service time through mid '62. At this point the line drops possibly indicating new soldiers (therefore less experience) joining the regiment to replace killed and wounded soldiers or a net loss of men in the unit. From mid '62 to Spring '64 the line indicates the unit gaining and losing experience - it is possible that the 'value' for each soldier lost is offset by the gain in value for each man that remains. At this point we cannot be certain of why the line fluctuated. After Spring of '64 the line drops dramatically especially around mid '65. A probable explanation for the drop -- heavy casualties.