OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD 82D ENGINEER BATTALION 28 AUG 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls2_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 57
Subject = OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD    82D ENGINEER BATTALION  28 AUG 91   

Box ID = BX000301

Folder Title = 82D ENG BN AFTER ACTION REVIEW COMMENTS  5 APR 91                                               

Unit = VII CORPS   

Parent Org = ARCENT      






        The 82nd Engineer Battalion.

        Prior to notification, the 82nd Engineer Battalion (Combat)
        (Mechanized) was assigned to the 7th Engineer Brigade, VII (US)
        Corps. The Battalion was stationed at Warner Barracks, Bamberg,
        with the 535th CSE Company (attached) located at Grafenwohr. Under
        the GDP. the Battalion was DS to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2
        ACR) and trained with them throughout the year. The Battalion was
        configured with an HHC and four line companies, each capable of
        separate operations (with organic mess. PLL, POL, maintenance and
        supply sections). The Battalion had 52 M113A2s, 38 M817 5 ton dump
        trucks, 12 MICLICS, 4 TPUS, 4 HEMMT fuel trucks, 12 D7Fs, 4 ()EMSS,
        12 SEES. and 4 HEMMT cargo trucks. The Battalion went from AL03 to
        AL02 in personnel in Jan 90. At the time of notification, the
        Battalion was preparing for a Brigade Command Inspection, followed
        by a GTA weapons density, and then the Christmas leave period.

        Notification.

            The Blue Babe was officially notified of their deployment to
        Southwest Asia on 9 November 1990. However, the unit had been
        expecting to go since late October when Colonel Raines briefed his
        Battalion Commanders of the possibility. In anticipation of
        deployment, the Battalion had already conducted several staff
        estimates of the Battalion's current disposition. At that time, the
        unit was not properly POMed for a deployment outside Europe and even
        as an AL02 unit, was understrengthed. Our logistical posture was
        perfect for our GDP but not for SWA, and our pre-Brigade Command
        Inspection hot-pits indicated a true OR rate of about 85%.

            Because ol our earlier planning, the Battalion was prepared to
        implement the required actions when notified. The Brigade filled us
        to 100% of AL02, and the Battalion wag selected as the first unit in
        Bamberg to POM and deploy. The S-4 set up a logistical team designed
        to identify and procure the required equipment and materials for
        fighting in SWA. They locally procured over 65.000 dollars worth of
        supplies. In addition, they obtained tons of commissary items (such
        as: sun-block, kool-aid, tissues, pop tarts) free of charge, enough
        lumber to fill two 40 foot MILVANs with lumber from DEH, a water
        truck, four water trailers, an ambulance, tents, cots, Mg bayonets,
        and 25 ton dump trucks. The BMO immediately started to plus up our
        PLL/POL/ASL levels, and the 504th Maintenance MST number 3 was
        informally assigned and later deployed with the Battalion. Due to
        many long days and parts support from the 535th CSE Company, the
        Battalion obtained a 98% OR rate prior to leaving Bamberg. The BMO
        also coordinated for six kits of revetment materials from COSCOM,
        acquired a float D7F from DEH, and stocked up over 200% in PLL, ASL,
        and POL products.

        Deployment.

            The S-4's aggressiveness enabled the Battalion to rail all its
        tracks and most of the wheeled vehicles to Rotterdam by 24 November.
        The remainder of the Battalion's equipment (MGIB with trailers,
        HUMMVS, and IIEMMTS) was convoyed to Amsterdam shortly afterwards.
        About the same time, the Battalion shipped 10 MILVAN to SWA.