VII CORPS DESERT CAMPAIGN AFTER ACTION REPORT

File: 970815_sep96_decls60_0009.txt
Page: 0009
Total Pages: 21
Subject = VII CORPS   DESERT CAMPAIGN  AFTER ACTION REPORT                

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = MAJOR SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-16TH CSG  2                                        

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000311










      22 Jan 91
          complete displacement of the Group Headquarters to LBE. We had a new
      mission. We transferred command and control of LBA to the 30th CSG, left
      them the 217th Mt Bn and the 13th S&S Bn. We had to start over,
      establishing a new Log Base. OLog Bass Echo' grow to in excess of 19,000
      soldiers and many of the same issues that occurred at LBA continued. We
      had real excitement when the 101st ordnance Battalion called in a false
      NBC 1 Report indicating a NERVE Agent was present in LBE. MOPP 4 in a
      hurry! The 'All Clear' brought much relief and a new requirement to order
      more ICE Packs. The 317th RAOC, which arrived just prior to departure
      from LBA, took over the management of Log Base Defense. We were joined by
      a CMO team, which proved invaluable in dealing with the local nationals on
      the use of water wells. The 341st MCT took on the transportation assets
      management.

      24 Feb 91
          We knew that the Ground War had begun with attacks into Kuwait,
      however VII Corps was not scheduled to begin its ground offensive until
      the next morning. Around noon we received a warning order that the ground
      offensive for VII Corps could begin as early as 1500hrs that day, which it
      did. The start of the ground war was characterized by a blinding sand
      storm with visibility less than 100 meters. It was our first taste of a
      true Saudi Arabian 'Shamal'. The ground war was fast; for us it was
      almost over before it started. Information flow on the ground offensive
      was slow, we had a real problem with friendly and enemy force disposition,
      and our best source of information was initially the BBC. The next day
      .nformation began to flow from COSCOM, however we were always one day
      behind.


      28 Feb 91
          The Cease-Fire was announced. No sooner had we begun to get
      completely on track to follow the ground campaign, and it was over.
      Though the mission of the 16th CSG continued our days were spent sorting
      out rear area issues and providing information on the location of the
      maneuver units so the Logistics Operations Section could plan and execute
      the continued support of the Corps.