AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0103.txt
Page: 0103
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




             PRE-G DAY OPERATIONS

                  Task Force Papa Bear was activated in Saudi Arabia
             31 December 1990 to defend against Iraqi aggression. The major
             units which made up the Task Force were lst Marines' Regimental
             Headquarters; Ist Battalion, lst Marines; 3rd Eiattalion, 9th
             Marines; ist Tank Battalion; an Engineer Task Force comprised
             of A Co ist CEB and A Co 7th ESB; B. & C Co, 3d AA Bn; Ist Plt,
             B Btry, 3d LAAD Bn; and 1/11 in direct support. TF Papa Bear
             was flxther task organized by attaching B Co, Ist Tanks to 3/9,
             I Co, 3/9 to Ist Tanks, and a TOW Plt to each mechanized
             battalion. 1/1 consisted solely of mechanized infantry.
             Obstacle Clearing Detachments were organized from elements of
             the Engineer Task Force and attached to 3/9.

                  During Operation Desert shield, Task Force Papa Bear
             conducted defensive operations and training in preparation for
             liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. This training
             included three vehicle TEWTS and oneffull scale breach
             rehearsal conducted on 15 January.

                  With the initiation of Operation Desert Storm on 17
             January 1991, Task Force Papa Bear continued its intensive
             training focused on obstacle breaching. As directed in the
             Division operation Order 2-91, the Task Force was to conduct
             two deliberate breaches of Iraqi defenses to secure a breach-
             head line in order to conduct further offensive operations;
             on order the Task Force would attack north in zone to seize
             subsequent Division and MEF objectives.

                  Task Force Papa Bear occupied its tactical assembly area
             (vic QS 653473) on 21 February 1991.    3/9 was positioned
             to the northwest, and 1/1 was positioned to the northeast,
             while ist Tanks occupied the zone to the south. LAAD platoon
             provided 360-degree air defense to the Task Force.

                  At 0700 on 23 Feb 91, 3/9 dispatched its two fire support
             vehicles, code named "Wolf" and "Badger" along with STA teams
             to reconnoiter the route to the berm located near the
             Saudi/Kuwait (SA/KU) border. STA teams continued to
             reconnoiter movement routes, battle positions, and mark the
             lanes and breach locations at the first Iraqi obstacle belt.,

                  At 1300, 1/11's Jump COC and battery advance parties
             crossed the SA/KU border to establish firing positions
             (vic QS 7466) in order to support the attack of Task Force Papa
             Bear from the line of departure through the first breach. I/ii
             was in position and ready by 2200.

                  Meanwhile Task Force units made final coordination and
             preparation for the move north.    Ist Division froze all
             frequencies and crypto changes for seventy-two hours. At 1700,
             the Task Force donned NBC suits, went into a MOPP 2 status, and
             rested the remainder of the evening.

             PHASE 1: ASSAULT BREACH OPERATIONS

                  At 0001, 24 Februax-y,l TF Ripper was orde red to -move into
                                     UNCLASSIFIED