OPERATION DESERT SHIELD STORM 16 MAY 92

File: 970815_sep96_decls20_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 30

Subject = OPERATION DESERT SHIELD STORM 16 MAY 92

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SPREAD SHEET SUMMARY-MAP AND HISTORY OF 82 ENG BN TRAVELS 16 MAY 92

Document Number = 6

Box ID = BX000301

ENCI-OSURE 1% THE 82ND ENGINEER BATTALION

Prior to notification, the (32nd Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Mechanized)
was assigned to the 7th Engineer Brigade, VII (US) Corps. The Battalion was
stationed at Warner Barracks, Bamberg, with the 535th CSE Company (attached)
located at Grafenwoehr. Under the GDP, the Battalion was DS to the 2nd
Armored Cavalry Regiment (2 ACR) and trained with them throughout the year.
The Battalion was configured with an HHC and four line companies, each capable
of separate operations (with organic mess, PLL, POL, maintenance and supply
sections). The Battalion had 52 M113A2s, 38 M817 5 ton dump trucks, 12
MICLICS, 4 TPUS, 4 HEMMT fuel trucks, 12 D7Fs, 4 GEMSS, 12 SEES, and 4 HEMMT
cargo trucks. The Battalion went from ALO-1 to AL02 in personnel in Jan 90.

At the time of notification, the Battalion was preparing for a Brigade
Command Inspection, followed by a GTA weapons density, and then the Christmas
leave period.

NOTIFICATION.

The Blue Babe was officially notified c3i their deployment to Southwest
Asia on 9 November 1990. However, the unit had been expecting to go since
late October when Colonel Raines briefed his Battalion Commanders of the
possibility. In anticipation of deployment, the Battalion had already
conducted several staff estimates of the Battalion's current disposition. At
that time, the unit was not properly POMed *or a deployment outside Europe and
even as an AL02 unit, was understrengthed. Our logistical posture was perfect
for our GDP but not -For SWA, and our pre-Brigade Command Inspection hot-pits
indicated a true OR rate of about 85%.

Because of our earlier planning, the Battalion was prepared to implement
the required actions when notified. The Brigade filled us to 100% of AL02,
and the Battalion was selected as the first unit in Bamberg to POM and
deploy. The S-4 set up a logistical team designed to identify and procure
the required equipment and materials +or fighting in SWA. They locally
procured over 65,OCJO dollars worth of sLtpplies/equipment. In addition, they
obtained tons of commissary items (such as: sun-block, kool-aid, tissues, pop
tarts) free of charge, enough lumber to fill two 40 foot MILVANs with lumber
from DEH, a water truck, four water trailers, an ambulance, tents, cots, M9
bayonets, and 2@@ ton dump trucks. The BMO immediately started to plus up our
PLL/POL/ASL levels, and the 504th Maintenance MST number :N was informally
assigned and later deployed with the Battalion. Due to many long days and
parts support from the 57;5th CSE Company, the Battalion obtained a 98% OR ralte
prior to leaving Bamberg. The SMO also coordinated for six kits of revetment4
materials -From COSCOM, acquired a float D7F from DEH, and stocked up over 2ti)O%
in PLI, ASL, and POL products.

DEPLOYMENT.

The S-4's aggressiveness enabled the Battalion to rail all its tracks and
most of the wheeled vehicles to Rotterdam by 24 November. The remainder of tt'L=.
E;attalion's equipment (M916 with trailers, HUMMVS, and HEMMTS) was convc3yed t
Amsterdam shortly afterwards. About the same time, the Battalion shipped
lC4 MIL.VAN to SWA.

Because of the 2ACR's decision to delay deploying its personnel, the
Battalion was directed to move up their departure dates. Flying from three
different APOEs on five different days, the Battalion became the first VII
Corps combat unit to deploy and close in SWA under the rein+orjfing buildup.