File: 970903_oct1_0042.txt
Page: 0042
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

(S) D. NBC Materiel and io56stics.

(S) 1. Issue - Logistics Management of NBC Materiel

(S) a. Discussion

(U) Because of the equipment dependent nature of NBC defense, logistic
management and supply of NBC equipment was always a major concern in SWA. The
MEF(Fwd) NBC officer stated he spent upwards of 9011/o of his time on logistics and
supply issues. 4 1

(S) A main logistical concern throughout the war was ensuring all Marines in
SWA had the minimum required individual protective equipment. Units knew by early
September that personnel would not deploy to Saudi Arabia without having: a
protective suit, protective boots, protective gloves, protective mask w/hood, and an
individual decon kit. Individual equipment requirements were modified by October to
include MKI Auto-injectors (Atropine & 2 PAM Chloride) and Pyridostign-dne Bron-Lide.
Indications are that the majority of initial deploying units left with the required NBC
equipment for their personnel. The 4th MEB, for instance, deployed in August 1991,
with an overage of NBC equipment, accomplished through redistribution from if MEF
uiiits.4 2Even though most ur@ts deploying to the KTO were equipped with the
minimum requirements, anticipated combat replacement needs and equipment
degradation from wear and tear during the build-up for Desert Storm had many units in
a deficient status. Many problems experienced with unit equipment shortages were
from an inability of units in country to obtain spare parts and replacement items.

(S) Deploying units, in assessing what NBC equipment to take, had to balance
their decisions by what could go via air-pauer load, amphibious shipping, or be drawn
from Maritime Preposition Shipping (MPS) assets. Those that placed a high reliance on
getting equipment from MPS found that initial MPS-3 assets were deficient in chemical
protective suits and protective masks. In addition, most interviews indicated that off-
load of MPS-3 was unorganized. There were claims that a staff sergeant or above with
a vehicle could sign for anything if he could haW it away. For those NBC items that
were on MPS-3; detector Idts, decontaminants, decon apparatus, protective footwear,
and protective gloves, disorganized off-load led to ur@t hoarding and off-line trading of

4 biscussion with I MEF(FWD) NBC Officer, 10 June 91
4 2MCCLS Tape # 783