DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR 27 JUN 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls4_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 24
Subject = DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR  27 JUN 91                              

Box ID = BX001444

Folder Title = DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR                                                                         

Unit = 24TH ID     

Parent Org = XVIII CORPS 






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               ISSUE:   Command  and  Control Vehicle

               -DISCUSSION:'  The FOX  (NBCRS) platoon   needs a command and control
  vehicle nowl Many times     the leadership wi.thi'n the platoon had to shun their
  responsibilities of providing continuous monitoring for supported troops when
  coordination with higher headquarters needed to be accomplished.         This left
  .the unit vulnerable'by unnecessarily pulling     a'sys'tem and its crew away from
  their assigned duties to go along for a ride      so that the platoon leader could
  accomplish his coordination. Furthermore, a       command.and control vehicle would
  help thd platoon sergeant be a platoon sergea:fit. He would be able to run mail
  and supplies to the other vehicles     in the area of operations-and ensure that
  th e troopsl,needs wer6 being tended'to by the 'supported unit. As it stands
  now the platoon leader and platoon sergeant are nothing more than glorified
  FOX (NBCRS).commanders once the-maneuver'i:,,nits get their slice. We must also
  ensure that the newly acquired Ope'rational Readiness Float does not get
  mis-dtilized as a command and control..vehic!le as a simple solution. Once this
    . vehicle is put in this made it then no longer takes on the role of an ORF,
  it becomes another emplo@able.'asset'.. En5;ure that@ the ORF stays at the
  .chemical company in a war time situation and,make the maintenance section
  maintain it.    We must be careful in our deliberations and not make a hasty
  decision.

               RECOMMENDATION:   .'Changb the  MUIOE for the FOX  (NBCRS) platoon so
  that it includes a kevlar HM4WV for     command and control purposes. Reinstitute
  the 26 man platoon with the.followi.ng configu'   -'ration.  One lieutenant and
  sergeant first class, two staff sergeant& as se'ction.leaders, four sergeants
  to command the remaining vehicles, and fill the rest of the platoon with
  skill level one soldiers. This will give.the platoon the flexibility it
  needs. Any skill level one soldier could easily serve as a driver for either
  the platoon'leader or-the platoon sergeant j-n',a tactical situation and both of
  these leaders would be able to leave their FOX (NBCRS) knowing that it was
  left in the competent hands of a noncommissioned.officer. In a non tactical
  situation this would work well because'the platoon leader and platoon sergeant
  could ride together in the command and coritrol vehicle. The FOX (NBCRS) is
  perfectly capable of supporting five soldiers.. 'Make the mid level and junior
  NCOs in charge of their vehicles, it-is their jobl Turn the platoon leader
  and platoon sergeant: into the "fifth. wheel.',, they need tQ run the whole
  platoon, not micromanag@e one vehicle. Thei only way this injustice can be
  changed is to submit the proper paperwork and for once hope that the upper
  echelon leadership of our   branch  will list.en to the  guys in the field; we
  knowlll