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File: 102496_aug96_decls1_0019.txt
Subject: COMMAND REPORT OP DESERT STORM 17JAN 91 THRU 17 MAR 91
Unit: ARCENT
Parent Organization: CENTCOM
Box ID: BX000481
Folder Title: COMMAND REPORTS 244TH MEDICAL GROUP COMMAND REPORT
Document Number: 1
Folder SEQ #: 13
A major area of concentrated effort and training was the
development of response teams and evacuation assets in the event of
a disaster or mass casualty. The S3 conducted four (4) exercises
in the space of one (1) week and coordinated with all subordinate
units as well as MP's, SP's, Provost Marshall, Air Force, etc.
Each exercise revealed strengths and weaknesses. The
weaknesses identif ied were then practiced to increase response
times and management of a mass casualty situation.
A complete reference file was maintained for each exercise
together with after action reports, evaluation checklists and
scenarios. A sample schedule for one such exercise is attached as
exhibit 9. The end result was an extensive SOP covering not only
Eskan Village but KKIA and all of Riyadh.
Our preparation and training for mass casualties was never
utilized but was essential given the tragic results in Dharan from
a SCUD attack.
Although the 217th Evac Hospital did not fulfill its hospital
mission, its personnel played a crucial role in the overall support
of the medical mission. Routine and emergency primary health care
for tenant units at Eskan Village was sustained as a direct result
of the augmentation provided by.the 217th until 7 March 1991 and
then by the 382nd Field Hospital. The 17th Medical Detachment (OM)
was able to continue its mission of 24 hour a day primary
outpatient care for more than 10,000 U.S. Army personnel only
through extensive utilization of borrowed assets. It was obvious
that the assigned mission exceeded the capabilities of the OA team.
Internally, written and cross training guidance was provided
many areas. one example was instructions to OIC's and NCOIC's
relating to TOC security and additional duties needed to be
performed to insure continuity of operations. (See exhibits 11,
18, and 22) Classes were also given on briefings, task organizing
and map reading. In the area of staff visits, various members of
the section interfaced with all subordinate elements on a regular
basis to discuss problems and their solutions. Higher HQ guidance
in this area was weak, however, and could have been more
definitive.
In early March 1991, the ground war ended in victory for the
coalition forces. Almost immediately, plans were announced for
redeployment. Such a reversal had a tremendous impact on the
section in planning and preparing units for redeployment to the
U.S. In addition to continuing the medical mission, the Group had
to develop various plans on short notice.
Some examples were:
1. Staffing of clinics manned by Air Force (See exhibit
16)
2. Conduct of theater exit medical evaluations (Exhibit
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Document 36 f:/Week-32/BX000481/COMMAND REPORTS 244TH MEDICAL GROUP COMMAND REPORT/command report op desert storm 17jan 91 thru 17:1011961540112
Control Fields 17
File Room = aug96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-32
Box ID = BX000481
Unit = ARCENT
Parent Organization = CENTCOM
Folder Title = COMMAND REPORTS 244TH MEDICAL GROUP COMMAND REPORT
Folder Seq # = 13
Subject = COMMAND REPORT OP DESERT STORM 17JAN 91 THRU 17
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 11-OCT-1996