THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY

File: 970203_sep96_decls16_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 2

Subject: THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY                                 

Unit: VII CORPS   

Parent Organization: ARCENT      

Box  ID: BX000280

Folder Title: THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY                                                                 

Document Number:         11

Folder Seq  #:         73








          bag, thereby causing an expedient way to the ground to find a
          pair of boo@@s. Hands grabbing for gas masks, flight suits and
          weapons, and the adrenaline surging in waves through your body
          created the orde@ly, but rushed trip to the bunker.
               Although some were seen trying to stuff two legs into one
          pant leg or tripping over every cot they passed by, everyone
          wormed their way into the bunker safely with gas masks on. As
          they sat around listening to each others mouth pieces popping,
          some faster than Others, the conversation was at a minimum.
          Hours passed and, while contemplating our own mortality, the NBC
          NCOICs were out testing, evaluating and checking for any signs
          of chemicals. Inside the bunkers, after the accountability was
          over, everyone sat quietly, straining to hear if the perimeter
          chemical alarms were going to go off. Around 0400, after the
          field phone buzzed and very muffled words were exchanged, the
          ..all clear" was given. Once the mask came off, the "war
          stories" on getting from the tent to the bunker started. Relief
          began to push the tension out of the area and soon everyone was
          out of their foxholes, with canteen cups full of warm coffee and
          a mini stove, participating in the daily stand to.

               The night of 23 January was lit by the flash and sonic boom
          of patriot missiles intercepting SCUD missiles. The 2-6 Cavalry
          home base became a scramble of activity as soldiers prepared to
          don NBC gear in record time and leaders darted about giving
          orders and passing information. Regular based defense drills
          during the previous weeks paid off. The squadron was well
          trained.
               The next day was filled with much anxiety as nightly state
          department briefs reflected the failing diplomatic talks. Most
ved war was inevitable, as the squadron began preparation
          for battle, both as a unit and as individuals.

               After the SCUDS limitations had been realized and faith in
          the patriot Missile embraced by all, the frantic scurrying that
          occurred at first alerts, all but disappeared. A/4-229 aircrews
          would wake up, mask and go back to sleep. Even LTC McCauley
          refused to go to the bunker!
               There was one First Sergeant who was very concerned about
          the lethal SS-21, canvas seeking missile that his company
          aircrews had told him about. After allowing him to stew about
          that "new L-jeapon' for a few days, he was let in on the reality
          with a great deal of laughter.











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Document 2 f:/Week-48/BX000280/THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY/the 11th aviation brigade story:01289718520418
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-48
Box ID = BX000280
Unit = VII CORPS
Parent Organization = ARCENT
Folder Title = THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY
Folder Seq # = 73
Subject = THE 11TH AVIATION BRIGADE STORY
Document Seq # = 11
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 = 28-JAN-1997