COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1 JAN TO 13 APR 91

File: 100896_sep96_decls8_0007.txt
Page: 0007
Total Pages: 31

Subject: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1 JAN TO 13 APR 91            

Unit: 2ND MARDIV  

Parent Organization: 2 MEF       

Box ID: BX600014

Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 2ND MARINE DIVISION 1 OF 10  JAN - APRIL 1991                                

Document Number:          3

Folder SEQ  #:          4


                                        UNCLASSIFI*

        terrain to the south of Al Jahrah, in 2d Division's zone; and MEP
        Objective C, Kuwait City International Airport, in let DiViSiOR'S
        zone). These actions would accomplish the MEF's own mission of
        "conducting a supporting attack to fix and destroy the Iraqi forces
        in zone; to prevent reinforcement of the Iraqi forces facing the Arab
        Corps in the west; and to establish blocking positions to preclude
        retreat of the Iraqi forces from southeast Xuwait and Kuwait
        Cityll.(26)

            The concept for a second breach was briefed to the KEF Commanding
        General during his visit to the 2d Division on I rebruary.(27) As a
        result of this briefing, he gave the division a verbal warning order
        to formalize planning for a second breach. According2yo the division
        G-3 provided initial guidance to the staff. They were to continue to
        coordinate the training in breaching operations to develop a formal
        concept of operations, and to ensure that a feasible movement
        schedule was prepared to support the plan. It was recognized that
        the now plan would have to meet the NEF commander's guidance that the
        breaches be effected more rapidly than previously planned. The
        change of zones also better suited each of the divisions to their
        respective tasks. 2d Marine Division, being armor-heavy, was best
        equipped to fight against the armor threat to the west; and the Ist
        marine Division, being primarily infantry,, was better suited for the
        urban fighting and the clearing of lines of communication found to
        the east.(28)

            By 2 February, it was decided that the 2d Division's breach would
        be conducted by the 6th Marines.(29) This regiment had the most
        training in breaching operations, and was therefore the most
        appropriate for the task. To assist in the breachp Task Force Breach
  Alpha was formed around a company from 2d CEB. This task force had
        recent training in breaching operations, and was reinforced with
        additional engineering equipment.(30)

            on 3 February, the G-3 provided additional information and
        guidance. As previously planneds the Ist Division would attack first
        to conduct its breach. It would then take Al Jaber airfield. Whils
        the enemy deployed to counter this threat, the 2d Division would
        assault and conduct its own breach. On emerging from the second
        breach, the 2d Division would orient north and become the point of
        main effort. The 6th Marines, as the lead element of the division
        would move through the breach in six lanes.(31)

            The movement of the division into its final assembly areas was a
        special concern, requiring the development of a coordinated movement
        plan. The enemy's artillery was identified as a key target.(32)

            The next three weeks were a period of continuous activity. The
        division's staff sections and subordinate units prepared their own
        supporting plans. Logistics issues became a critical concern.
        Especially important were the requirements to move the division to
        its final assembly areas in such a manner as to avoid the necessity
        for a maintenance standdown, the identification of fueling points,
        and the provision of water for decontamination. intelligence
        gathering was still required concerning the construction of the


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                                  UNCLASSIFIED

Document 31 f:/Week-35/BX600014/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 2ND MARINE DIVISION 1 OF 10 JAN - APRIL 1991/command chronology for the period 1 jan to 13 ap:100196125355
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-35
Box ID = BX600014
Unit = 2ND MARDIV
Parent Organization = 2 MEF
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 2ND MARINE DIVISION 1 OF 10 JAN - APRIL 1991
Folder Seq # = 4
Subject = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR THE PERIOD 1 JAN TO 13 AP
Document Seq # =
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 = 01-OCT-1996