Operational Aspects of a Forward Support Battalion Participating in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Abstract
Operations in the deserts of Southwest Asia presented enormous challenges to a forward support battalion supporting a heavy maneuver brigade during Operations Desert Shield and DESERT STORM. Most of these challenges were METT-T driven. Logistics doctrine of forward support proved to be basically sound, but unachievable at times. Perhaps the most significant lesson learned was the validation of the sustainment imperatives advocated by Airland Battle doctrine. The imperatives of anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation were the key to logistics success in a theater of operations. void of many taken for granted resources and necessities. Other lessons were learned concerning movement to contact operations, tailoring combat service support assets for deep operations, equipment modifications, equipment and personnel authorizations, and the brigade support area's design. The ten weeks of post combat operations represented the best training period in the battalion's history. In addition to sustaining a brigade task force, humanitarian care and supplies were provided to hundreds of civilian refugees and enemy prisoners of war fleeing Saddam Hussein's reign of terror in post war southern Iraq. Logistics, FSB, ODS, Transport, APS, Mobility, BSA, Refuel, Doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251288
Entities
People
- Daniel L. Fairchild
Organizations
- United States Army War College