OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD 82D ENGINEER BATTALION 28 AUG 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls2_0014.txt
Page: 0014
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      







            31 Dec 90: At noon, the S-4 gives an OPD on 'LO81sticg and
            Resupply'. The companies of the Battalion each hold New Year's Eve
            celebrations to the extent possible. Again 'near beer' is provided
            for the soldiers who want it. D Company spends today and two more
            days constructing a perimeter berm and survivability positions for
            the 75th GSC.



            01 Jan 91: The ConLnander's New Year's Day reception is held at 1300
            in the 1111C Mess tent. Near beer, fresh fruit, and assorted food is
            provided by HHC. AFN broadcasts the dropping of the ball at Times
            Square in NYC at 0800 local time. OPD is to demonstrate towing
            plans for the Ground Emplaced Mine Scattering System (GEMSS). and
            GEMSS reloading. This is conducted by A Company. ILT Sandford
            emplaces GEMSS minefields of the area, the soldiers of Blue
            three different densities to show how the system can be towed by
            the M113A2. M548 and 5 ton dump truck. C Company demonstrates
            loading and unloading operations for the MICLIC. Observers from
            176th Engineer Group are impressed by the demonstrations and ask
            for an encore.



            02 Jan 91: D Company sends a Small Equipment Excavator (SEE) out to
            the 16th Area Support Group (ASG) for about six hours to build
            survivability positions. It rains all day. OPD is mission loading
            of a M113A2 for both offensive and defensive operations.


            03 Jan 91: B and C Companies send dozers and bucket loaders with
            M916's to the 210th Field Artillery Brigade. Their mission is to
            build a perimeter defense berm, howitze- positions, generator
            pits, command and control, and survivability positions. The
            project ends on the 8th of Jan. OPD for today is D Company's
            demonstration of their sled for proofing the MICLIC breach. SFC
            Scbnorrbusch is the project manager. CPT Henshaw calls it the
            'Schnorrbusch Sled'. It consists of a sheet of revetment with
            bangalore sections attached, mounted on the back of an M113A2. The
            first run doesn't go well. The bangalore tubes curve as the sled
            finds the path of least resistance. D Company vows to go back to
            the drawing board and 'make it happen'. The lst Cavalry Division is
            seen moving on the highway west of us. Ist Armored Division and lst
            Infantry Division are also moving into sector. The Captain's
            Promotion list is released: ILT Roumell, Puhalla, Wither, Hazen.
            and Platt are on it.


            04 Jan 91: D Company sends two Small Equipment Excavator (SEE) to
            the VII Corps TAC location to construct survivability positions.
            Its a one day project. It is a foggy morning and then a sunny day.
            The Battalion Conmander presents a briefing to the 176th EN Group
            on the 82d and its capabilities. Decision is made to convert
            the Battalion XO's vehicle, HQ-5, into the Battalion ALOC. The
            Battalion OR rate is dropping, primarily because of a lack of spare
            parts.