OF THE 9 CORPS ARTILLERY BRIGADES, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF

File: 950901_0pgv079_91p.txt
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OF THE 9 CORPS ARTILLERY BRIGADES, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF BASIC LOAD 
IS CHEMICAL MUNITIONS.

Filename:0pgv079.91p

RESPOND TO TASK 1854
PASS TO ITF OPS OFFICER
22 OCT 1555  SENT BY: [ (b)(6) ]



SUBJECT:  OF THE 9 CORPS ARTILLERY BRIGADES, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF 
BASIC LOAD IS CHEMICAL MUNITIONS.

        The basic load of individual artillery brigades does not 
contain chemical munitions.    [ (b)(2) ]   believes that CW 
munitions are stored at central ammunition depots and at rear 
area, corps level logistic centers. The percentage of chemical 
artillery munitions at the Corps level is unknown and likely to 
vary.

        During the Iran-Iraq War, chemical munitions were 
controlled by Saddam Hussayn and were released to Corps Commanders 
on a case by case basis. Chemical munitions were always delivered 
by Corps controlled artillery units and handled by special troops. 
 Initially, all CW ordnance was stored in Baghdad. After certain 
Corps Commanders were given release authority, artillery and 
mortar
shells were stored in Corps rear administrative areas. Quantities 
kept at the Corps area always exceeded the mission requirements 
and resupply was immediate. Just prior to major offensives, [     
 (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4)    ] centrally controlled CW storage 
facilities to distribute the munitions to the front. Following the 
battle, just under half of the trucks returned with the chemical 
munitions intact and unused.

        The experience of the Iran-Iraq War indicates that when 
Iraq chose to conduct CW operations, the artillery brigades 
delivering CW had an ample supply and concentration of chemical 
munitions. However, the percentage of chemicals found with 
individual artillery units varied widely depending on operational
planning.


POC for this tasker is  [ (b)(6) ]