702ND TRANS BATTALION OPER DIARY SAUDI ARABIA 1990 THRU 1991

File: 970815_sep96_decls24_0020.txt
Page: 0020
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










           trailers.

           1404th Trans Co returned to Dammam from Log Base Alpha in the
           early morning. Began to in-process and train military
           drivers to drive commercial rigs. Our troops note that the
           most loyal civilian drivers are from India, Pakistan, the
           Philippines and Thailand. Anthrax vaccinations continue.
           Rain all day.
           14 January - 702 FRAr.0 03-91; Mission: Inspect receive and
           transport commercial flatbed cargo trucks from remote
           locations to Dammam. Initial locations are Riyadh and
           Jeddah.

           702 FRAGO 04-91; Mission: Issue chemical biological
           protective masks to commercial truck drivers, and other
           employees of firms under contract to the U.S. Army. Instruct
           contract employees in the proper use, and care of protective
           masks.

           Contract signed for 500 additional flatbed trucks; 350
           without driver, and 150 with driver. Supply has been unable
           to obtain additional small arms ammunition. Iraqi's National
           Assembly gave Saddam their rubber stamped seal of approval to
           take any actions he deems necessary. Bn Cdr noted that many
           persons are fleeing the area. The refugees are causing
           traffic jams near the airport. Wind and rain all day.
           15 January - Day of the deadline. PVT Lynch, driver with
           1404th Trans Co, reports seeing the aftermath of a drive by
           shooting on MSR Dodge near Log Base Alpha; Humvee with
           apparent bullet holes. He saw the vehicle at about 14:00 on
           the 14th. Whether this was actually the aftermath of a drive
           by shooting or an accident is unclear. What is clear is that
           the war is starting. Bn strength: 296 soldiers. Assets
           available: 429 flatbeds. No moon.

           16 January - Troops are dispatched to Riyadh to pick up fifty
           (50) flatbed trucks. The trucks are dogs. We accept them
           any way. Twenty (20) trucks return to Dammam, leaving at
           20:00. Thirty (30) trucks remain in Riyadh with a mission to
           transport containers from the rail yard to KKMC. Two (2)
           trucks break down before the convoy gets out of Riyadh. In
           the evening, the Bn is directed to take nerve agent pre-
           treatment (NAP) tablets (Pyridostigmine Bromide USP 30 MG).
           Troops are to continue taking tablets at eight (8) hour
           intervals. These enhance the effect of nerve agent antidote,
           however some people may experience unpleasant side effects.
           Many jet aircraft, without lights, can be heard flying
           overhead towards the north. Operation Desert Shield ends.