COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1MAR 31 MAR 91

File: 100896_sep96_decls25_0005.txt
Page: 0005
Total Pages: 6

Subject: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1MAR 31 MAR 91                

Unit: 3D 23RD MAR 

Parent Organization: 8TH MARINES 

Box ID: BX600013

Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 3RD BATTALION 23RD MARINES JAN 1991 1 OF 2                                   

Document Number:          5

Folder SEQ  #:          4





                                         UNCLASSIFIED




            The establishment of a permanent bivouac site began as it
        became evident that the Battalion was not going to proceed south or
        adjust its current position. The effort to improve the post war
        encampment began in earnest on March 7, 1991, after the Battalion
        was informed by higher HQ's that it would stay in position until
        the formal cease fire was signed by Iraq. This effort included the
        movement of tents, cots, field-mesa equipment and generators to the
        Battalion position from Camp 15. This effort was further
        complicated when Sth Marine Regiment recalled all truck assets from
        the Battalion on March 15, 1991. All assets brought forward to the
        Battalion from Camp 15 required advance coordination of at least
        one day, followed by a two to three day trip to Camp 15 (near the
        Jubayal port facility). This effort was further complicated by the
        retrograde of the 2d Marine Division Rear logistical base at Kabrit
        because all truck assets were dispatched to move logistical/supply
        equipment South from Kabrit to Camp 15.
            The net result of inadequate transportation, a 200 mile supply
        line, and a cumbersome command and control system, was a five to
        seven day lag from the requisitioning of equipment to arrival of
        equipment to the forward positions. This fact resulted in the
        Marines of this Battalion to live under primitive conditions for
        these three weeks after the cessation of hostilities. This
        situation is exemplified by the establishment of a field mess that
        finally occurred on March 19, 1991. The Battalion successfully
        established a field kitchen capable of heating tray pack meals by
        utilizing immersion heaters. Sufficient tray packs were supplied
        to provide one warm meal every four days. A consolidated
lished with the first warm meal
        served on the evening of 30 March, 1991.
            Additional logistical/supply concerns included inadequate
        tentage to house the Battalion for a sustained period and the
        ability to supply an adequate amount of potable water for
        drinking. Guidance from higher headquarters was that the Battalion
        should be prepared to remain in position for an additional thirty
        to sixty day period of time. To adequately house the Battalion for
        this period of time, thirty additional general purpose tents were
        required. These tents were to be identified and brought forward
        from Camp 15. Additionally, the Battalion currently possesses two
        400 gallon capacity water trailers which are filled twice daily.
        This provides an average of only 2.5 gallons of potable water per
        Marine per day. Based on current weather conditions, this is
        adequate for current consumption. As temperatures increase, there
        is a question as to the ability of the CSSD to be able to sustain
        an adequate supply of potable water.
            The effort to reconsolidate the assets of the Battalion began
        immediately at the cessation of hostilities. The chronic lack of
        transportation assets placed the Battalion into the position of
        having personnel and equipment in four separate locations spread
        out over 120 miles to the rear of the forward position. The first
        priority was given to collecting all Marines who were traveling

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                                   UNCLASSIFIED                 ENCLOSURE (1)

Document 6 f:/Week-35/BX600013/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 3RD BATTALION 23RD MARINES JAN 1991 1 OF 2/command chronology for the period 1mar 31 mar 91:1004961340213
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-35
Box ID = BX600013
Unit = 3D 23RD MAR
Parent Organization = 8TH MARINES
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 3RD BATTALION 23RD MARINES JAN 1991 1 OF 2
Folder Seq # = 4
Subject = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1MAR 31 MAR 91
Document Seq # = 5
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 04-OCT-1996