TAB D UNITS ENCLOSURE 1 COMMANDERS REPORT

File: 970815_sep96_decls59_0010.txt
Page: 0010
Total Pages: 18

Subject = TAB D UNITS ENCLOSURE 1 COMMANDERS REPORT

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = MAJOR SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-7TH CORPS SUPPORT GROUP 1

Document Number = 1

Box ID = BX000311

SECTION 11 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT OPERATIONS

PART 1: Operational Desert Shield 17 Aug 90 - 16 Jan 91.

On 17th August 1990, the 7th Support Group was tasked to assist the 12th
Combat Aviation Brigade, V Corps, in its deployment to Saudi Arabia.
Notification was received late that evening and personnel were recalled to
establish an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The following day, tc?aris
deployed to Illesheim, Germany to assist in the deployment. The teams
consisted of an LNO, a Maintenance Support Team, a Departure Airfield Control
Group (DACO), and load team. The teams consisted of approximately 200
soldiers from subordinate units within the Group. The teams gave the brigade
the ability to focus on its deployment and the additional support needed to
deploy quickly. The teams were eventually called back on 30 August 1990 due
to delays in the deployment of the 12th Aviation Brigade. This was the
Group's first involvement in Desert Shield.

On 8 November 1990, while undergoing an ARTEP exercise at Grafenwohr, Germany,
the Group was notified of VII Corps' deployment to SWA. At that time, it was
not clear as to the magnitude of the deployment. On 9 November, the Group
headquarters convoyed from Grafenwohr to McKee Barracks in Crailsheim,
Germany. The Group would be told later that day of the actual deployment.

On 9 November, the Group again established an EOC and began preparation for
deployment. At this time the Support Operations Section consisted of two
branches, a maintenance branch and a supply and services branch. Each branch
developed a list of questions and issues which had to be resolved prior to
deployment. The Support Operations Section began working on plans to close
out current operations and sustain the force in SWA. Throughout the
deployment there was a lack of information regarding supply points and
maintenance capabilities. Information was not available as to what supply
lines, quantities or type of stockage were available in theater. A great
number of these issues were never resolved until we arrived in SWA. There
were also a great number of issues which had to be resolved in Germany before
our departure. Some of these issues were as basic as who and how Group
customers not deploying were going to be supported and when; and how we were
going to deploy while trying to support a Corps that was also deploying. The
general climate at the time was to focus on deployment and depart Germany with
as many assets as possible to perform sustainment operations in SWA.

One of the first problems encountered on 10 November was that Central Issue
Facilities (CIFS) were civilian operated and not open an weekends. The
opening of CIFs on weekends had to be directed by VII Corps. Once CIFs were
open, soldiers had to personally go to CIFs to draw equipment. Clothing
records had to be updated and signed by the individual drawing the equipment.
Another problem encountered was the flood of requests that came in regarding
CTA 50-900 items. The flood of requests created large zero balances at the
CIF. These shortages would eventually carry over to SWA. In SWA, only
minimal CIFs were established and only emergency requests were filled. This
problem was never resolved.

On 12 November the Group requested that the fixed Class III facilities be