OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM CMD REPORT 1ST INF DIV MECH 19 APR 91

File: 970815_sep96_decls21_0008.txt
Page: 0008
Total Pages: 12
Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM CMD REPORT  1ST INF DIV MECH  19 APR 91

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 1ST ID ANNEX A MEMO AND CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF EVENTS 26 MAR 91                               

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000305


                                     L A S S,,
             2. Desert Storm, 17 January 1991 - 10 March 1991

                  a. Security Operations/Building Ground Combat Power.

                       (1) Air campaign began  at 170145C January 1991.
             Later in the day false reports of enemy forces attacking the
             Egyptian Divisions cause a stir.  The Division had only one
             tank battalion with 9 HEAT rounds per tank in the TAA. Other
             elements present in TAA ROOSEVELT were poorly disposed to
             deal with an armored assault. One aspect often overlooked
             .was that there were always two Egyptian divisions between 1
             ID(M) and the Iraqis. The sense of panic created by
             battalion-sized forces was uncalled for and reflected the
             attitude of many that our Arab allies were unreliable.

                       (2) ATACMs were fired for the first time in combat
             at an SA2 site southwest of Kuwait City at 180045C January
             1991. Several delays were encountered due to software
             problems and coordination delays with the Air Force. A total
             of three missiles were fired by 0530. Initial targeting
             planned for two missiles per target. Next-day aerial
             photography revealed total destruction of the targets,
             including the one engaged by one missile. Thereafter ATACMs
             was fired one missile per target.

                       (3) The only alarm for gas within the Division
             during the war occurred in the early morning hours of 19
             January 1991. The alarm proved false, but pointed out
             .deficiencies in the alert process and all-clear procedures.
             The Division established a screen north of Log Base Echo with
             1-4 CAV and provided security for Log Base Alpha from 23
             January. German Fox chemical reconnaissance vehicles were
             received on 25 January. Throughout this period the Division
             trained for breaching operations. Several firings of MICLIC
             misfired (60%). Intense efforts to remedy the MICLIC firing
             problem continued up until G-Day. The final combat elements
             of the Division closed on 29 January.

                       (4) A near full-scale crossing exercise was
             conducted with the l(UK) AD on 30 January. IID(M)
             participated in CFX mode while the 1 (UK) AD participated in
             full-up FTX mode. The training obstacle was marked the same
             way the real one would be marked and controlled by the same
             headquarters. A critical objective was to determine the
             passage-time of the l(UK) AD. The Corps Commander visited
             the Crossing Force HQ during the breach and was briefed on
             the concept of operation by the Commanding Generals of I
             ID(M) and 1 (UK) AD.