AFTER ACTION RPT ODS AND DESERT STORM 6 MARCH 91

File: 980404_sep96_sagwi11_0004.txt
Page: 0004
Total Pages: 4

Subject = AFTER ACTION RPT ODS AND DESERT STORM 6 MARCH 91

Box ID = BX000284

Folder Title = AAR COMMENTS OPERATION DESERT SHIELD STORM 14TH PREVENTIVE MEDICINE UNIT 9 APR 91

Unit = VII CORPS

Parent Org = ARCENT

very slow (both ways) but inconsistent guidance was put out about
packages (both ways). At one time, we were told to mail packages of
any size, then not to mail packages at all, then mail only packages
less than 16 ounces; for units at other locations the guidance was
completely different. In Vietnam, the most we ever waited for mail
was 2 weeks (either way) and that was 20 years ago. An improved mail
system must be developed for servicemen in the next war.

i. The issue (or lack thereof) of DCUs was a major disappointment and a
significant morale issue. Units which-arrived early in SWA were
issued DCUS, including those in rear, EAC locations regardless of
their job. As the supply of DCUs broke down, no DCUs were issued at
all, even to newer arriving, forward-deployed units. When the DCUs
became available again, rear units again received them and
forward-daployed units did not. To see an admin clerk in an
air-conditioned office in Daharan wearing full DCUs while combat zone
personnel at or near "the front" are still wearing green BDUs has been
a morale issue of high proportions. It now appears that insufficient
effort is being made to obtain even one set of DCUs for
forward-deployed unit members; rather, the attitude appears to be one
of complacency toward those who should have received the proper combat
uniform in the Theater.

j. The Field Ordering Officer (FOO) approach to purchasing items on the
local economy was an effective means to obtain items unavailable via
the supply system. The administration and auditing of the FOO account
left a lot to be desired, especially since FOO's and Class A Agents
were often given ever changing guidance on how, with whom and where to
update and clear the account. All-in-all, however, it allowed units
the ability to local purchase hard-to-gat items while at the same time
put Saudi money into the local economy. Compliments need to be given
to the Saudi government for underwriting the program and to the Saudi
merchants, who bent over backwards to provide needed items promptly
and cooperatively.

6. Conclusion

The 14th Medical Detachment and its subordinate units successfully
provided PM and Vet Service Support at the VII'Corps during Operation
Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The result of these efforts, in part,
produced the lowest DNBI statistics of any war in US history.

PETER F. JOHNSON
COL, MS
Commanding