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File: 123096_sep96_decls21_0005.txt
Page: 0005
Total Pages: 14

Subject: AFTER ACTION REPORT ODS  14JUN91                                

Unit: 22D SUPCOM  

Parent Organization: ARCENT      

Box  ID: BX005555

Folder Title: 1ST EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL GROUP                                                           

Document Number:          2

Folder Seq  #:          1










                      The Group concept functioned well enough during the
            build-up and draw down activities but was most valuable from the
            latter part of February through the end of April. I could move
            teams and units wherever needed most. At one point only three
            teams were left in the F-AC area. All the rest were north of the
            Tapline Road supporting one of the Corps or Task Force Freedom
            clearing Kuwait.      I could anticipate requirements and react
            quickly to emergencies without the approval/acquiescence of the
            Corps or other organizations detachments were supporting.

                      This was important because the Corps, Divis,-'ons, and
            Brigades had very little understanding of what EOD could or
            should be doing for them. Having EOD around on a just in
            case/contingency basis was the norm for them. on numerous
            instances organizations demanded EOD support then placed it in a
            stand-by mode; requested validation of decisions already made;
            placed EOD in limited advisory roles or ignored them. Best
            example   occurred    in April when VII Corps requested         five
            additional units be attached to them despite the fact they      were
            not using all of the seven units already dedicated to them.

                      operations in Saudi Arabia tended to be very much     like
            USAREUR. The Corps felt free to ignore ARCENT and the Divisions
            in turn ignored instructions from Corps. Within each Division
            directives could be tightly enforced but even then differences
            between   Brigades    and   Battalions could cause coordination
            problems.    An action coordinated at the ARCENT or Corps level
            would disappear several times before reaching the working level.

                   There were significant differences between VIIth and XVIII
        Corps and the way EOD was employed with each. VIIth Corps was
            much richer and heavier with more equipment a-id most of the
            combat power. XVIII Corps started light, stayed light, and
            maneuvered in the western portion of the battle against lighter
            opposition spread over a greater area.

                    Major Poole ( 512th EODCT - Vllth Corps) placed his units
            in a traditional manner, based them in rear areas and sent them
            forward as required. Major Zeucjner (543rd EODCT - XVIII Corps)
            sent units much further forward with maneuver elements. I cannot
            determine    any   cause and effect relationship but all the
            casualties   incurred by Ist EOD Group came from the 543rd EODCT.
            The 512th    and the 542nd did not have any. In addition to Major
            Zeugner's death there were three individuals who received minor
            frag wounds and one serious traffic accident involving three
            individuals.








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Document 14 f:/Week-46/BX005555/1ST EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL GROUP/after action report ods 14jun91:121796111636108
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-46
Box ID = BX005555
Unit = 22D SUPCOM
Parent Organization = ARCENT
Folder Title = 1ST EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL GROUP
Folder Seq # = 1
Subject = AFTER ACTION REPORT ODS 14JUN91
Document Seq # = 2
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 = 17-DEC-1996