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File: 120596_aabdz_03.txtChapter 1I Challenges, Saudi Interaction, and the Terrorist Threat Setting up the defenses for the base and compound areas proved to be quite a task. Security forces faced many challenges in achieving this goal. First and foremost, the arrival of forces to extreme desert beat and conditions, proved by far to be the most difficult challenge. Arriving in Saudi Arabia in mid- August 1990 tested the mettle and determination of the security personnel. With temperatures on the flightline reaching 138 degrees Fahrenheit, trying to stay cool became a never ending battle. Captain James E. Chambers Jr., the SPS Logistics officer, described the contest of man against the elements: "We had to drink lots of water, and use any available shade, including aircraft wings. It was very impor- tant that we looked out for each other, making sure we ate properly, drank plenty of water, and watched each other for signs of heat prostration or stroke." In addition to the personal battles against the heat, the test of trying to keep equipment cool also challenged the security team. Desert camouflage netting, which lowers the
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