Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

Subject = 3RD BN PATRIOT 43RD ADA RGMT AAR OPN DES SHIELD                 

Parent Organization = CENTCOM     

Unit = ARCENT      

Folder Title = 3-43D ADA AAR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD                                                           

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000545








           6. TS2LTw-: Lc;ad PIA-nnins, on vehicles and pallets needs improvement.

                D:c@CUSSION: T.1i@ A--.@4stence of load plans for vehicles does not mean that the unit
           .ias                              in that manner.    On numerous occasions, the load plan
           reql-,i-emen' was seen as a paperwork drill. Once deployment actually occurred, the
           imDc-r@ar,ce :)' load plans as a mean of optimizing the use of cargo space and ensuring
           shipment     l,r,.ti-2a' items quickly became evident. This problem could also explain
           batteries' complaints about lack of cargo space to transport all MTOE equipment.

                Similarly, little thought had been given to the availability of pallet space for
           transport of battalion equipment. Batteries and staff sections were not ready to
           utilize that space in an efficient manner. Once a pallet was built, an inventory of
           its ,ontents was not Performed That inventory should have been done, forwarded to
           recipients, and filed.

                LESSONS LEARNED: Batteries should actually perform full vehicle loadouts on a
           regular basis to test feasibility of load plans. Loadouts must be done with great
           attention to detail. Pallet space on aircraft should be planned for early, with
           necessary parameters (dimensions, weights, hazardous cargo limitations) known by all
           individual units. Prioritization of pallets should only occur after a load plan of
           the pallet has been submitted to battalion.

                -RECOMMENDED ACTION!     Train exactly as you would deploy.      Rollouts should be
           evaluated 'or adherence to vehicle load plans on a spot basis. Battalion S-3 should
           publish pallet parameters.       Acquisition or authoring of a computer program for
           optimal loading of pallets, given parameters and equipment list.


                ISSUE: Actual deployment caused list of nondeployables to increase well beyond
           USR expectations.

                DISCUSSION: The biggest culprit here was the fragile nature of many family care
           plans.   Single soldiers with dependents and soldiers married to other soldiers are
           the primary problem areas. The 'swap' program to non-deploying units is only a
           tompora;y fix to a problem that is endemic in a volunteer force, and last minute
           transfers often hirt the unit and caused some resentment among the soldiers.

                There were also a. variety of problems which soldiers surfaced in an attempt to
           avoid deployment.     The key to handling these cases is a strict interpretation of
           applicable regulations and a consistent handling of all cases.           Fairness is the
           paramount perception for the soldiers.

                In most cases pregnant soldiers we   're not replaced, so units deployed @ith holes
           that meant a greater burden an other soldiers.

                LESSONS LEARNED: Use lengthy field training exercises as a good indicator of
           possible family care plan problems. It a soldier must be left back from a FTX,
           his/her responsiveness to an actual deployment must be seriously questioned.           Expe-
           dite chapter 5-8 actions as soon as possible on identified soldiers; their, continued
           presence and griping could drain morale.

                RECOMMENDED ACTION: Unit level action: tighten requirements for family care
           plans.  DA level: Review policies on assignment of potential nandeployables to
           iits with contingency missions.

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

Document 24 f:/Week-32/BX000545/3-43D ADA AAR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/3rd bn patriot 43rd ada rgmt aar opn des shield:09229712012712
Control Fields 17
File Room = aug97_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-32
Box ID = BX000545
Unit = ARCENT
Parent Organization = CENTCOM
Folder Title = 3-43D ADA AAR OPERATION DESERT SHIELD
Folder Seq # = 36
Subject = 3RD BN PATRIOT 43RD ADA RGMT AAR OPN DES SHIELD
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date = 11-AUG-1997
Queued for Declassification = 18-AUG-1997
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 = 22-SEP-1997