1 31 JAN CMD CHRONOLOGY

File: 970530_dec96_decls36_0006.txt
Page: 0006
Total Pages: 8
Subject = 1  31 JAN CMD CHRONOLOGY                                        

Parent Organization = VARIOUS MC  

Unit = 3-8         

Folder Title = 1ST BATTALION 8TH MARINES - COMMAND CHRONOLOGY   1-31 JANUARY 1991                              

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX600130



                                   UNCLASSI@IED



       Air Force took to the air. The Bn went to Air Alert Red (attack
       imm8ment) or Air Alert Yellow (attack likely) several times dftring'
       the last days of January.
            The sandtable bi-iefs were put to action on the E:6th during a Bn
       TEWT. As briefed, the CRAT teams screened the Bm's flanks while the
       engineering platoon, under the protection of Charlie company,
       breeched the simulated obstacles. Task Force Wilk monitored the
       evolution, directing the follow on assaults through the best breech.
       The exercise went as briefed except that the engineering assets
       dwindled from an engineering company to an engineering platoon.      A
       second TEWT was conducted on the ;27th. The TEWT on the P7th
       included a frill execution of the
                                          mission during the day followed   by
       another execution during the evening hours.
            On P9 January the Bn participated in a Regimental TEWT.
       Maneuvering with 2/4 on its right flank, and 3/23 in Regimental
       reserve, the Bn attacked and seized the simulated division
       objective. ]'his being the first time the Regiment operated as a
       unit, and as a mechanized unit, problems surfaced. However, due      to
       the Bnls concentration on AAV operations and its previous TEWTS, the
       Sn was well prepared for the exercise. Many of the kudos given
       during the debrief were attributed to actions or ideas from Ist
       Battalion Bth Marines. While the Regiment conducted its training the
       ground war kicked off as reports of a suspected Iraqi tank brigade
       crossed the border into Saudi Arabia. Ground battles continued
       through the end of January. On the 30th SaL%di and American forces
       attacked and recaptured the Saudi town of Al Khafji. On the evening
       of 30 January intelligence.reports, obtained from interrogation of
       POW'S, indicated an attack by elements of two divisions into the Fnd
       MarDiv area. Given a warning order the Bn began preparing for
       movement. Ammunition was distributed and vehicles were made ready 'in
       case the Bn received the order to go. At 2200 on 30 January the
       battalion started taking the Pyridostigmine Bromide tablets, as
       ,directed, and continued taking the tablets until 0700 31 January.
       The month ended with a spectacular lightshow as B-52's attacked an
       Iraqi troop build-tip at 1845 on 31 January. Although the target area
       was over 70 km north of the Bnls po.sition the ilILimiriatiL@n created by
       the bombs were clearly visible.

















                                       UNCLASSIFIED