OPERATION DESERT STORM AAR AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 6 MAR 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls8_0006.txt
Page: 0006
Total Pages: 13
Subject = OPERATION DESERT STORM AAR AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS  6 MAR 91     

Box ID = BX001706

Folder Title = OPERATION DESERT STORM AAR AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 6 MAR 91                                      

Unit = 2D ACR      

Parent Org = VII  CORPS  









          the squadron. Smk/87 CM CO was assigned the GS smoke mission during
          the breach of the berm in an effort not to deplete 172d smoke
          platoons basic load prior to offensive cover operations.

            b. 172d smoke platoons crossed the LD with a full basic load (74
          barrels). Because of no missions, the unit did not require

          resupply. However, it's organic fuel resupply squads had authorized
          MTOE equipment, which would have enabled them to refuel rapidly.

            C. A resupply stockage of fog oil (144 Barrels) had been
          established at LBE. The concept that was coordinated with RSS was to
          airlift required resupply of fog oil to the s'moke platoons during a
          scheduled fuel halt. This concept was never executed because the
          requirement for resupply never materialized.

          4. Maneuverability

            a. 172d smoke platoons were capable of maintaining momentum with
          the attached squadrons during the offensive cover operations.
          Throughout the operations, had they been given a smoke mission, they
          would have been able to rapidly execute it.

            b. Another factor that hampered Smk/87 CM CO was the distance
          required to travel during the refuel halt coupled with the pla4oon
          organic requirement to refuel. The concept was feasible, but not
          easily executed given the command and control difficulties, coupled
          with the distance of approximately 15 to 20 kilometers for the linkup
          with the reserve squadron.

          5. Possible Mission Requirements for Mechanized Smoke Units
          Supporting 2dACR.

            .a.. The deliberate breach of the berm and flank screening/haze
          smoke missions were determined-to be the only viable missions for
          2dACR during Operation Desert Storm. A deception smoke mission v@as
          considered but rejected once the threat in our sector had been
          identified as minimal both for enemy artillery and air. A smoke
          screen to the regiments front was also rejected due to the mission of
          the regiment which was to find, fix, and identify gaps in the enemies
          defenses and guide the follow on divisions into these areas.

            b. Smk/87 CM CO was held in GS with an additional mission of
          providing a smoke curtain for bypassed enemy and a haze in the event
          of enemy air attacks.

            C. Generally the wind blows from the NW. However, during the
          winter months they tend to fluctuate, with winds blowing from each
          cardinal direction depending an the frontal system moving through the
          area. All smoke missions were on order, weather dependent.