3AD HISTORY OF OPERATION DESERT STORM AND SPEAR

File: 081996_jul96_decls1_0078.txt
Page: 0078
Total Pages: 269

Subject: 3AD HISTORY OF OPERATION DESERT STORM AND SPEAR                 

Box  ID: BX001301

Document Number:          3

Folder Title: OPORDS AND  COMMAND AND CONTROL                                                                 

Folder Seq #:          4

Unit: 3D AD       

Parent Organzation: VII  CORPS  


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            Of concern to the Brigade was the possibility of a major breaching
       operation. Each task force was provided engineer assets to conduct an in
       stride breach. It was decided that if a more deliberate breaching
       operation was required, TF 4-18 would assume the role of the breaching
       task force. Task force 4-8 would be the support task force. The 3-8 CAV
       would be the assault battalion. TF 4-18 was given A/23rd EN along with
       the majority a+ the ACE'S, CEV'S, and AVLM'S.
           The 23rd EN also received 2 mine rakes for mounting an the CEV'S.
       These were full width rakes and worked well in the sand during training
       exercises in TAA Henry. The Brigade also received 8 mine plows and 4 mine
       rollers which werLA mounted to tanks from each task force. The roller kits
       were mounted to tanks from each task force while the rollers themselves
       traveled with the R3. They would be brought forward if the need arose.
       D/23rd EN throughout the entire deployment was used in a nonstandard
       role. It was assigned to the RB with the mission to provide security,
       assist in mobility, assist with EPW control, and mark the Brigade MSR.
       The Brigade MSR was marked by D/23 Eng during the attack with pickets
       every 250 meters for approximately 250 Kilometers from FAA Butts to OBJ
       DORSET This was cited as a major +actor in preventing vehicles from
       becoming lost while bringing logistic packs back and forth.

         OPERATION DESERT GUARD:


            During occupation of TAA HENRY the 2d Brigade had responsibility +or
       reaction to a preemptive attack by Iraqi forces most likely elements a+
       12AD, 6AD or the IOAD. The brigade developed OPLAN DESERT GUARD (dtd 12
       Jan 91). It was anticipated that any attack would be preceded by heavy air
       attacks, Surface to surface missiles and probable terrorists operations
ed as little as a 12 hour notice
       would be provided prior to a pre-emptive attack. The most likely
       objective was believed to be Ha+ar Al Batin and KKMC. The brigade had the
       mission to block the MSR SULTAN and defeat Iraqi forces within the Corps
       sector or follow and support 1AD (US) in corps sector. The brigade
       developed three contingencies for this plan based on the commander's
       guidance of being prepared to fight now with what the brigade has on the
       ground at this time. All soldiers must be prepared to fight as infantry
       and defend long enough to allow our air assets to defeat the enemy
       attack.    This operation was designed to meet an attack by Iraqi forces
       principally down the Wadi AL Batin The brigade staff devoted considerable
       time and effort as did each battalion/task force in preparing for this
       mission. The principal force in this operation was TF 4-18. Contingency
       plan Alpha w        ccupy a battle.position and block an advance along MSR
       Sultan, prot        C and allow no penetration of their position.
       Contingency B 4@yp had TF 4-18 performing a follow and support mission to
       IAD as part of ii Corps directed counterattack to de-Feat Iraqi forces.
       Contingency plan Charlie had TF 4-18 defending the 3AD TAC from possible
       attack. As noted this OPLAN consumed considerable time and effort of both
       the battalion and the brigade.

Document 269 f:/Week-28/BX001301/OPORDS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL/3ad history of operation desert storm and spear:0816961333481
Control Fields 17
File Room = jul96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-28
Box ID = BX001301
Unit = 3D AD
Parent Organization = VII CORPS
Folder Title = OPORDS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL
Folder Seq # = 4
Subject = 3AD HISTORY OF OPERATION DESERT STORM AND SPEAR
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date = 18-JUL-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 = 16-AUG-1996