AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0013.txt
Page: 0013
Total Pages: 130
Subject = AAR  1ST MARDIV IN SWA                                          

Parent Organization = MCCDC       

Unit = WDID        

Folder Title = AFTER ACTION REPORT 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN SOUTHWEST ASIA   WDID SWA 0073                       

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX600145



                                 UNCLASSIFIED




                        Thru lst obstacle/mine-Field belt by 0550
                        Engaged tai,P:,/BMP's/Infant 11)v
 3-Day Assault Breach

         0600 TF Ripper breaching Is@@ obstacle/minefield belt

         0900 TF Papa BLar breaching Ist obstacle/minefield belt

                 - Both TF's received incoming artillery fire

                 - EPW's growing in number

         09Z;O   Q-36 radars/4.' separate countei-fire targets

                 (26 fired by arty, 16 passed over quick+ire to air)

         1OZ70   Ist MarDiv had 14 lanes thrli the I-st obstacle/minefield belt

         1125    TF Ripper commenced breac:h of 2nd obstacle/minefield belt

                 TF Ripper had received corsicierable incoming artillery fire and

                 despite having only I arty battalion -Firecap, started the Assault



                 2nd ob-,tacle/mine@ield belt was more heavily de-Fenoed

                 1/5, 1/7, 7N-,' Tanl:s, al, engaged @lanks/in-Fantr,y

              - TF Shepherd screened east f'@@4rkt,


              - TF v@r(AY in assemiily area on a short string


            Infiltration A.@tac@.,

              -  Objective wzs to collai@se enemy defenses north of the lst obstacle

                 belt

              -  We knew there had to be lanes through the minefield

              -  Infiltration was a real confidence boost.. Our Marines brrke down

                 the IC) foot tall Iraqi image by moving through the obstacle/mine

                 field belt at night and operating b2hind enemy   1 inc?s

              - Surprised, no shocked the enemy, still working    on his mind

            TF Grizzlv

              - T@r-ough ls@ obstacle/minefield belt by 0400


                                    UNCLASSIFIED