24TH MECH INF DIV OPERATION DESERT STORM AFTER ACTION REPORT

File: 080596_jun96_decls21_0142.txt
Page: 0142
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 






                                      UNCLASSIFIED
                                                                       05/3n
                                    JULLS LONG REPORT

           1. (U)     S NUMBER: 50875-05914 (00008), submitted by DIVARTY,
           ID, 870-5516, (912)767-5516.

           2.  (U) Other OPN DESERT STORM NOTES conducted by 24 IN DIV (MECII)
           on 03/05/91.

           3.  (U) KEYWORDS: FSCL, FIRE SUPPORT, FIELD ARTILLERY,

           4.  (U) TITLE: LOCATION OF FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATION LINES (FSCL)

           5.  (U) OBSERVATION: The location of FSCL's is critical to the
           effective attack of deep targets. Initial PSCL along the line
           of departure (LD) hindered fire planning for division
           cross-border reconnaissance operations.

           6. (U) DISCUSSION: The use of FSCL's was generally very
           effective in allowing the free attack of targets that could
           influence division operations. There was reluctance on the part
           of fire support agencies to move the initial FSCL. The FSCL was
           right on the LD and hindered the reconnaissance effort. The
           FSCL should have been moved once the division received corps
           approval to conduct reconnaissance across the LD. Also, towards
           the end of the war, CENTAF would not allow targets to be
           attacked short of the FSCL with our positive control even though
           the division had encountered significant targets well clear of
           friendly forces. The problem was further complicated because
           the FSCL had been moved well forward.

           7. (U) LESSON LEARNED:
           a) Retain the FSCL as close to the PLOT as is safe given the
           amount of time required to coordinate its shift. This allows
           for the free use of air interdiction and immediate attack of
           high payoff targets by ABCCC without coordination.

           b) Movement of the FSCL must be driven by maneuver, not fire
           support considerations.

           c) If the FSCL must be well forward, divisions must be allowed
           to control CAS short of the FSCL even though terminal control
           cannot be provided by an ALO or FAC with eyes directly on the
           target.

           8. (U) RECOMMENDED ACTION: The maneuver force should have
           greater control of the placement and shifting of the FSCL and be
           allowed greater freedom of the use of air short of the FSCL.


                (U) SUBTECT: OPERATIONS

                (U) INTEROPERABILITY: DOCTRINE

                (U) Lesson distributed by: 24TH IN.DIV.

                                         Page - 8

                                       UNCLASSIFIED

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