OPERATION DS AFTER ACTION REVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

File: 971208_sep96_decls5_0022.txt
Page: 0022
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      











                     DIVISION SURGEON

                     1)  OBSERVATION: The artillery brigade headquarters
                         must have an aid station with a tracked vehicle
                         and ambulance to support the organic and attached
                         elements in the field.

                     2)  OBSERVATION: The soldiers of the 24 ID received
                         pre-deployment and pre-combat briefings on combat
                         stress / battle fatigue so that they could
                         recognize -the symptoms of these problems. As a
                         result of this education, combat stress and
                         battle fatigue were minimized. soldiers were
                         quickly treated and returned to duty.

                     3)  OBSERVATION: The organization and structure of
                         medical command hindered effective medical
                         operations. This problem was difficult to
                         overcome throughout the operation and the need
                         for change is strongly recommended.

                     4)  OBSERVATION: One of the most significant medical
                         issues early in the deployment was field
                         sanitation. Preventive medicine personnel -need
                         to be deployed as part of the advance party
                         element.

                     5)  OBSERVATION: Adequate communications assets were
                         not available for requesting and controlling
                         MEDEVAC aircraft. Recommend that they be co-
                         located with the -maneuver brigade command and
                         control elements for better communications and
                         quicker response.

                     6)  OBSERVATION: Corps level psychiatric support was
                         poorly integrated into the 24 ID plan to treat
                         combat stress casualties. These assets should
                         have been placed in direct support of the
                         division to -treat casual-ties proximally and
                         rapidly in accordance with doctrine.

                     7)  OBSERVATION: Placement of 24 ID mental health
                         personnel in -the forward support medical company
                         -improved their effectiveness. Additionally,
                         mental health personnel should be assigned to
                         each brigade during the early stages of field
                         operations to facilitate establishment of rapport
                         with commanders and soldiers.