OPERATION DS AFTER ACTION REVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

File: 971208_sep96_decls5_0012.txt
Page: 0012
Total Pages: 24
Subject = OPERATION DS  AFTER ACTION REVIEW   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY           

Box ID = BX000078

Folder Title = 24TH ID AARS                                                                                    

Unit = XVIII CORPS 

Parent Org = ARCENT      










                     6   OBSERVATION: There is insufficient general
                         support artillery in the heavy division. The
                         TO&E for the division artillery should be
                         updated.

                     7)  OBSERVATION: The TO&E of the MLRS battery needs
                         to be updated to include a maintenance tech and a
                         -medical vehicle. This will improve the
                         flexibiltiy of the MLRS battery.

                     8)  OBSERVATION: The initial Fire Support
                         Coordination Line along the line of departure
                         hindered fire planning for division cross-border
                         reconnaissance operations. The nanuever force
                         should have greater control of the placement and
                         shifting of the FSCL.

                     9)  OBSERVATION: Cross boundary fires should be
                         coordinated at the lowest possible level. This
                         avoids the inevitable delays when calling for
                         fire and having to coordiante through corps and
                         division channels during the battle.

                     10) OBSERVATION: Current communications equipment
                         and TACF= are not capable of providing adequate
                         support over long distances. TACFIRE provided
                         fire support coordination once units stopped to
                         conduct deliberate attacks. Most fire support
                         coordination was accomplished by PCM or through
                         the division TACSAT. Division fire support
                         agencies need their own long-range communications
                         system (TACSAT or AM secure).






                     11) OBSERVATION: Too much dependence is placed on
                         civilian contractors for maintenance of the Q-37
                         wadar and t-hemeteorological Data System (MDS)-
                         This and a lack of a combat PLL and trained
                         mechanics made these systems difficult to
                         'maintain during OPERATION DESERT STORM.