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File: 120596_aacxh_16.txtUNCLASSIFIED to include contrail forecasts, area EOTDA forecasts, and so forth. AFGWC's surge provided remote operational support while the DSFU deployed. By 22 Sep 90, the DSFU had assumed the complete theater centralized forecast responsibility, with unit-level support provided by collocated SWOs. The DSFUs primary centralized planning product was the Joint Operations Area Forecast (JOAF), although they produced guidance and mission-tailored centralized products. The JOAF was the unclassified 0- to 48-hour area guidance forecast. The DSFU further refined the JOAF into the Special Support Bulletin SSB) for target forecasts from 0-72 hours. In addition to target forecasts, the SSB contained chemical dispersion winds, EOTDA and Integrated Refractive Effects Prediction System (IREPS) forecast parameters, and so forth. The DSFU was physically located with CENTAF, but functionally aligned under US Central Command (CENTCOM). Headquarters (HQ) CENTCOM, CENTAF, and US Army Central Command(ARCENT) SWOs primarily provided staff support early in the deployment. The XVIII Airborne Corps SWO tailored the JOAF into the Tactical Operations Area Forecast (JOAF)until 12 Jan 9,when ARCENT assumed the TOAF responsibility as VII Corps became fully operational.HQ CENTAF used the JOAF and SSB together and did not require a separate operational guidance forecast since the DSFU - products were always available to them. Specific HQ level support during the build-up phase is detailed below. 4.2. (U) ELEMENT SUPPORT We describe specific weather support to HQ CENTCOM the different major elements supported by USAF weather personnel during Operation DESERT SHIELD below. 4.2.i. (U) CENTCOM Support. During Operation DESERT SHIELD, the HQ CENTCOM SWO briefed Commander in Chief Central Command (CINCCENT) and staff twice daily, plus provided command and administrative control of all weather forces in theater. The briefing consisted of a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellite transparency,24-hour forecast for Riyadh,forecast weather for selected bases and locations in the AOR,and a 2-day illumination forecast. The CENTCOM SWO presented this briefing from 28 Aug 90 to I Jan 9i, when the briefing was expanded to include specific 24-hour forecasts for AOR airfields, 24- to 72-hour language forecast for the AOR, 24- to 72-hour AOR airfield status, and 0- to 72-hour air and ground operations slides. 8y early Jan 9i, all information for airfield status and air and ground operations were presented as red (below specific threshold), yellow (near threshold), and green (above threshold--no significant factor to operations). The specific thresholds used by HQ CENTCOM are at Atch 1. The HQ CENTCOM SWO also provided climatological support for planning. For instance, Maj Gen Moore, CENTCOM J-3, stated long: range weather forecasts were one element considered for selecting the start of the war. 4 2.2. (U) CENTAF Support. Support to HQ CENTAF during Operation DESERT SHIELD was primarily staff briefings and climatology for planning. For briefings, weather support focused on allocation and apportionment and weather in support of the daily training air tasking order (ATO). A typical daily briefing schedule was: 0600L Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) weather team briefed TACC shift change weather; weather for that day and next day training. 5
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