COMMAND REPORT OP DESERT STORM 17JAN 91 THRU 17 MAR 91

File: 102496_aug96_decls1_0033.txt
Page: 0033
Total Pages: 36

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







           6. COMMAND SERGEANT MAJORIS COMMENTS


                 During this reporting period the undersigned was responsible
           for an average of 1,800 Non Commissioned officers of which 1,723
           were of the grade E6 and below.     Continuous and routine contact
           with these troops through meetings with their senior leaders,
           provided the information compiled in this portion of the report.

                 This segment does not necessarily reflect the opinion of this
           Headquarters, but is based upon a survey from the aforementioned.

           1. Morale

                 Although the same morale detractors (mail, DBDU issue, lack of
           telephones, lack of essential equipment, lack of vehicles) from the
           first reporting period still exist, new ones have surfaced.

               a.   Mail-Although it has improved somewhat, it is still not
           functioning adequately. Command emphasis, more personnel and more
           transportation assets will correct the problem. A lessons learned
           for the future.

               b. Uniform Issue-The reserve components, especially medical
           units, have not been issued Desert BDU's and related uniform
           accessories. The are entitled to the issue and deserve it. Since
           the uniform can be worn at Home Station if Commander permits, issue
           should continue at MOB Station and Home Station.

               C.   Uniform Policy-The daily changes relating to the Duty
           Uniform (LBE, Kevlar, MOPP suit, mask) created serious morale and
           compliance problems, especially when compared with the Air Force
           policy. One Force, in one community, should wear the same uniform.

               d.  Off Limits Policy-The policy of making the local town(s)
           "off limits" is another overreaction.     The threat of terrorist
           activity appeared to be a successful enemy ploy. Since no local
deemed to be a bad call (by the
           troops) at the onset of war, and ridiculous when a cease fire was
           finally reached. The inactivity of terrorist incidents in town and
           the non availability of social and morale activities and "things to
           do" in Eskan Village, made the rule transparent to many who
           routinely disregarded it without command knowledge. Once in town,
           the only danger that was discovered by these violators, was that of
           getting caught. The vendors and people proved to be friendly and
           sociable and the restaurants served excellent meals. Once this was
           experienced no matter how many times they were told, it was worth
           the punishment they would encounter if caught. Coalition Forces
           (Swedes, French, Brits) were given more freedom to socialize, and
           our troops who unable to take advantage of the opportunity to meet
           soldiers of other nations.

               e.   Transportation-Vehicles, both military and leased still

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