After Action Report, 403rd MP PW Camp

File: 980227_sep96_decls1_0005.txt
Page: 0005
Total Pages: 8
Box ID = BX005618

Folder Title = AFTER ACTION REPORT 403D MP PW CAMP                                                             

Unit = MISC        

Parent Org = MISC        






    AFKB-AC-CA                                                   2 April 1991
    SUBJECT: After Action Report, 403rd MP PW Camp


        1. The inprocessing of EPW was one of the real success stores
    associated with the operation. The 403rd met the 800th goal of 500 EPW per
    day during the first 24 hours of inprocessing. A total of 9,647 EPW were
    processed during a nine-day period which doubled the Brigade goal (1,075
    per day contrasted with the goal of 500). Toward the end of the
    inprocessing period the Brigade goal was nearly being tripled as the 403rd
    achieved processing rates of 1,400 per day over the last three days. These
    rates were achieved while still maintaining the laudatory accuracy rate
    initially established at much lower processing rates and while still fully
    processing all EPW. Processing included a complete inventory of EPW
    property; EPW were thoroughly searched; showered; weighed; given a physical
    by a MD; given new clothes; deloused; processed; fingerprinted;
    photographed; and finally, given an ID card. The way the 403rd
    inprocessing center was organized was personnel heavy. It required the
    entire 420th processing company less a processing team assigned to hospital
    duty-in the Khobar area. The entire 970th Guard Company (initially less
    elements assigned to the JIF Security mission) provided security for
    inprocessing operations. In order to keep the inprocessing operation
    running smoothly and efficiently, additional personnel had to be diverted
    from other functions. Extra medical personnel and a large number of
    personnel from the 403rd, including supply and medical personnel from HHC
    and 95B from the enclosures, were temporarily assigned to the inprocessind
    center. The 403rd also kept a command represenative at the processing
    center 24 hours per day to address problems as they occurred and before
    they could result in serious delays in inprocessing.
        m. Periodically during inprocessing the computer disks were shipped to
    the 403rd computer sec'@ion where the EPW records were integrated into the
    central data base and a PWIS update diskdprepared. An individual packet
    was also prepared for each EPW at this time. The EPW packets, which
    included all EPW documents, made outprocessing a simple procedure.
    Outprocessing involved building a manifest and then retrieving the packet
    of those EPW on the manifest.

        n. One of the key elements in the accomplishment of the mission was
    effective uze of Host Nation interpreter support. Interpreters played a
    key role during inprocessing. However, they also provided invaluable
    assistance during outprocessing; during transfers, particularly transfers
    to Saudi camps; in dealings with indigenous population; operations with the
    enclosures; and dealing with disturbances. The native interpreters also
    provided guidance on customs and procedures that enabled members of the
    403rd to deal more effectively witi the Iraqi EPW.


    4. Planning considerations for future operations: The following items
    constitute lessons learned and recommendations for subsequent operation:

        a) An intermediate battalion headquarters should be included in the
    Camp configuration. The MP PW Camp, as organized under MTOE 19256HAR01
    dated 880531, is not able to act as a command and control HQ for eight
    companies while at same time planning for and running an EPW camp. This is

                                          5