DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR 27 JUN 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls4_0010.txt
Page: 0010
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 


                                 utvct


               ISSUE:   Mode of 14MI Operation
               DISCUSSION:   In a desert environment  the employment of the Fox
   (NBCRS) is totally different from the way that the Bundeswehr intended it to
   be employed. The BundesT4efir has doctrine that  limits its use strictly to the
   existing road network. 'The de'sert'has fe-vi if @Lny-ioads, and the ones that do
   exist are bargly mote than'an unimproved trail. Consequently, most operations
   take place while travelling cross country. This works in most instances,
   however, some types'@of terrain dictate that use of the double wheel sampling
   system is impossible. In these instances the MM1 must be employed in the air
   high mode, continuously monitoring atmospheric air for evidence of chemical
   warfare agents. The problem here is that sensitivity is greatly reduced. If
   chemical warfare agents.were used before the FOX (NBCRS) crew crossed that
   piece of contaminated.terrain, they may in fact miss the contamination.
               RECODMNDATION: -Crews..rie6d to be extensively trained in
   recognizing the signs,.of an NBC attack. Ilo one can afford.to become
   complacent in the desert. We need the meteorological station and the XM-21
   stand off detec tion system on the FOX.(NBC!RS) now. Crews need to become
   intimately familiar with the-wind direction and constantly be on the lookout
   for anything in the surrounding area that looks strange or'out of place- -
   sporadic wet areas, munition-debris, dead wildlife, etc. Oftentimes a crew
   will become de'pefiden-@-on their high'tech piece'of equipment and think that
   this will be enough to get t'Ilem through the mission. Never allow a crew to-
   forget the human dimension of their job, common sense and attention to the
   minute details are many times more important than sole reliance on a multi
   million dollar piece of equipment..