CMD RPT ODS 17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY 17 MAR 91

File: 980811_sep96_decls6_0011.txt
Page: 0011
Total Pages: 17
Subject = CMD RPT ODS   17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY   17 MAR 91

Box ID = BX003208

Folder Title = 251ST EVAC HOSP-ANNEX E ODS

File Cabinet = Week-38

Parent Organization = HSC






















           cancelled, equipment was issued and turned back in for reissue,
           and mandatory training was given, unavoidably missed, and, of
           necessity, repeated. Professional individuals arrived all
           throughout the mobilization period, requiring individual tutoring
           and supply efforts frequently late at night. Finally all
           attempts at realistic cross-levelling were abandoned in a rush to
           submit a manifest of deployable personnel +or air movement. The
           third problem was that of inadequate information to the unit
           regarding critical Medical Corps shortages, most acute in the
           surgical specialties. Unit and MOBSTA commanders remained
           unaware of specific plans to augment unit with speciality
           detachments in the KTO. These last two problem areas caused the
           Ft Jackson CG to declare the 251st mission nondeployable 5
           January 1991, which status remained in effect -for 96 hours.

                 Advanced detachment of @'O individuals commanded by unit
           executive officer departed MOBSTA on 4 January 1991 for movement
           to ATO. Ptrty arrived in Daharan unexpected and had to arrange
           own transport to KKMC.

                 The 251st Evac hospital had been well briefed on area and
           cultural differences at MOBSTA. It was also known by unit that
           this mission was unique in the annals of US Army Medical Corps
           history. Never before had an Army hospital staff coexisted with a
           host nation staff in a fixed facility forming a joint
           multinational professional staff. We also appreciated the
           administrative and operational differences between Western and
           Oriental systems and the extreme importance placed on position
           and "face" in Saudi Arabia. With this in mind, the advance party
           moved into the hospital slowly and cautiously, engaged in
           logistical preparations, and awaited formal contact between
           American and Saudi hospital commanders.

                 On 9 January 1991, MOBSTA CG declared unit mission
           deployable. Final confusion occurred as to whether unit should
           deploy with only individuals in "hard" slots (leaving vacancies
           for later accession), or whether aircraft should be fully
           manifested with deployable individuals. A compromise was quietly
           and informally achieved.

                 On 12 January 1991, unit was given departure ceremony at Ft
           Jackson. Farewell addresses were made by MG Renner, Post CG and
           by BG Tuten, Deputy Adjutant General SCARNG. Our state flag was
           presented to hospital commander.   Unit departed Ft Jackson in
           early evening by bus convoy to MAC terminal, CharILston AFB.
           Final boarding preparation occurred in the departure hanger, and
           family good-byes were accomplished as personal gear was loaded
           onto the aircraft. Limited unit supplies and records had been
           transported from same departure point on another aircraft.

                 378 members of the 251st Evac Hospital departed on a
           commercial charter aircraft at approximately 0130 hours& EST, 13
           January 1991. Flight arrived KKMC 0830 local 14 January 1991.
Unit = OTSG        
Parent = HSC