24TH MECH INF DIV OPERATION DESERT STORM AFTER ACTION REPORT

File: 080596_jun96_decls21_0055.txt
Page: 0055
Total Pages: 253

Subject: 24TH MECH INF DIV OPERATION DESERT STORM AFTER ACTION REPORT    

Box  ID: BX001437

Document Number:          2

Folder Title: 24 MECH INF DIV AFTER ACTION REPORT                                                             

Folder Seq #:        785

Unit: 24TH ID     

Parent Organzation: XVIII CORPS 










                  DMS16N SURGEON

                  1)  OBSERVATION: The artillery brigade headquarters
                      must have an aid station with a tracked vehicle
                      and ambulance to support the organic and attached
                      elements in the field.

                  2)  OBSERVATION: The soldiers of the 24 ID received
                      pre-deployment and pre-combat briefings on combat
                      stress / battle fatigue so that they could
                      recognize the symptoms of these problems. As a
                      result of this education, combat stress and
                      battle fatigue were minimized. soldiers were
                      quickly treated and returned to duty.

                  3)  OBSERVATION: The organization and structure of
                      medical command hindered effective medical
                      operations. This problem was difficult to
                      overcome throughout the operation and the need
                      for change is strongly recommended.

                  4)  OBSERVATION: One of the most significant medical
                      issues early in the deployment was field
                      sanitation. Preventive medicine personnel need
                      to be deployed as part of the advance party
                      element.

                  5)  OBSERVATION: Adequate communications assets were
                      not available for requesting and controlling
                      MEDEVAC aircraft. RecoTamend that they be co-
                      located with the maneuver brigade command and
                      control elements for better communications and
                      quicker response.

                  6)  OBSERVATION: Corps level psychiatric support was
                      poorly int @ ated into the 24 ID plan to treat
                      combat stress casualties. These assets should
f the
                      division to treat casualties proximally and
                      rapidly in accordance with doctrine.

                  7)  OBSERVATION: Placement of 24 ID mental health
                      personnel in the forward support medical company
                      improved their effectiveness. Additionally,
                      mental health personnel should be assigned to
                      each brigade during the early stages of field
                      operations to facilitate establishment of rapport
                      with commanders and soldiers.

Document 253 f:/Week-22/BX001437/24 MECH INF DIV AFTER ACTION REPORT/24th mech inf div operation desert storm after a:08029615062350
Control Fields 17
File Room = jun96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-22
Box ID = BX001437
Unit = 24TH ID
Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS
Folder Title = 24 MECH INF DIV AFTER ACTION REPORT
Folder Seq # = 785
Subject = 24TH MECH INF DIV OPERATION DESERT STORM AFTER A
Document Seq # = 50
Document Date =
Scan Date = 12-JUN-1996
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-AUG-1996