702ND TRANS BATTALION OPER DIARY SAUDI ARABIA 1990 THRU 1991

File: 970815_sep96_decls24_0019.txt
Page: 0019
Total Pages: 43
Subject = 702ND TRANS BATTALION OPER DIARY SAUDI ARABIA 1990 THRU 1991    

Parent Organization = MISC        

Unit = MISC        

Folder Title = 702ND TRANS BN-PROVISIONAL-BATTALION OPERATIONS DIARY-SAUDI ARABIA 90-91                        

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX005619









          Cypriot freighter strikes a mine in the Straits of liormoz and
          sinks. Survivors are rescued by an American merchant vessel.
          Bn Cdr returns from Jeddah in the evening. I Cav Div
          expresses concern over 20 flatbed trucks not received as part
          of a reoccurring commitment. Assets were unavailable at the
          time, and further requirements were cancelled by the 93rd MC
          Bn. Thirty (30) flatbeds are scheduled for convoy to support
          the Cav tomorrow.

           9 January - 1404th Trans Co (-) convoys to Log Base Alpha.
          Bn XO and S3 debrief drivers from the 1404th returning from
          support of Ist Cav Div. Control is limited due to
          communications problems. One soldier stated that a civilian
          driver deliberately broke the drive shaft of his vehicle by
          shifting into reverse from 3rd gear in order to avoid going
          forward. The reliability of civilian drivers in the event of
          war is a major concern. A number of civilian drivers told a
          translator that they intend to leave if war breaks out. The
          Secretary of State, James Baker, meets with the Iraqi foreign
          minister in Geneva. Outcome of the talks is not hopeful.
          War seems inevitable. Rain in the evening.

          10 January - Convoy operations continue. Bn XO visits Bn
          troops supporting the movement of the 1 Cav Div at Bastogne.
          Threatcon is raised to Charlie by ARCENT, in light of the
          increased probability of war. Threatcon Charlie adds a
          number of measures to improve security. Bn Cdr directs that
          the 1404th return from Log Base Alpha to pick up flatbed
          truck assets acquired in Jeddah. These trucks were
          contracted without drivers by the Saudis. The company will
          maintain a small convoy support center at Alpha.

          11 January - Appears now that the bulk of truck assets will
          be acquired without drivers. Status of I Cav Div move 77
          vehicles in support at Camp Pulaski with 70 operators and 3
          command and control personnel. 10 new vehicles received.

          12 January - Troops vaccinated for anthrax. This is in
          response to Iraqi threats of biological warfare. Bn is
          tasked to conduct a training and orientation program for
          soldiers assigned to drive commercial trucks. Congress votes
          to authorize the President to use force to compel an Iraqi
          withdrawal from Kuwait. Rain. Relayed to Gp S3 that Bn can
          absorb 360 filler personnel. If provided with 10 88M20
          (truck driver) sergeants to serve as squad leaders this can
          be increased to 700 soldiers to serve as drivers. D Co is
          currently on the books without personnel or equipment. If D
          Co were resourced with 200 additional drivers the Bn could
          build to 900 trucks. Approximately 76 vehicles have been
          committed to the support of the Ist Cav Div move since 9
          January.

          13 January - 702 FRAGO 02-91; Mission: Train military
          drivers arriving in the theatre to drive commercial tractor