File: 970903_oct1_0043.txt
Page: 0043
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

assets. Lessons were learned from the first MPS off-load and MPS-1 and MPS-2 off-
loads were reportedly much more orgar@zed. MPS-1 and MPS-2 also contained sizeable
stocks of medicants, protective suits, and masks. In general, MPS-1 and MPS-2 were
very effective in providing needed NBC equipment.

(S) ror front-line forces the logistical planning required for NBC defense wzis ;i
shock. To maintain an effective capability for maneuver warfare, commanders in SWA
found it necessary to mobile load NBC equipment for MOPP exchange and
decontarwnation. Most units did not have the necessary orgar-dc vehicles to mobile load
all (heir NBC equipment. A typical infantry battalion required two additional 5-con
trucks and two M105 trailers for this purpose. This meant approximately 22% of an
infantry battalions rolling stock had to be dedicated to NBC equipment.' I

(S) Logistical supply of water for NBC decontan-dnation was a major concern.
Water requirements were considered unsupporiable.44The 1/6 operations officer
emphasized that it took 3000 gallons to decon one company, 20,000 for a battalion and
asked, "where do we get it?" He went on to emphasize that in SWA there was simply
insufficient lift for water. The 2d MARDEV G-4A stated that just getting potable water
for drinking up to the front was a great concern and providing water for
deconEan-Lination was almost impossible. The extremely long logistical lines in SWA
strained I MEF organic capabilities to support forward units. Host nation support from
"Saudi Motors" was heavily relied on for hauling water needed for survival and
decontamination. Lack of water forced innovation, many enterprising NBC specialists
conducted water point reconnaissance and map studies to plan for potential decon siees
to support projected schemes of maneuver. One forward element of MAG-26,
developed a mobile system for aircraft decon at Landing Zone (LZ) Lonesome Dove by
mounting an Ml 7 Lightweight Decon System on a Saudi water truck (see photograph,
Appendix G-8).

(S) Logistical storage of water for decon was also a significant problem with
respect to unit mobility. The older M12 decon apparatus has a separate 500 gallon
rigid sainless steel tank for water storage and transport. The new M17 Lightweight
Decon System had a much larger 3000 gallon collapsible rank. A significant mobility
trade-off was discovered between rigid and collapsible water tanks. Units had to drain
the 3000 gallon collapsible ranks prior to movement. This does not happen rapidly and
wastes water, Typically 50 to 75 gallons of residual water was left in collapsible tanks

4 3@4CCLS Tape # 836
44Discussions with 2nd MAPD[V G-4A, Capt Underwood, IS March 91