164                                   U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


   A unique camaraderie developed as a natural result of the challenges and
sacrifices of desert life.  American Marines were invited into Saudi Bedouin
tents for meals and began to experience Arab culture and hospitality.    Marines
hosted Arab Coalition Forces during our traditional Marine Corps Birthday
Ceremony and acquainted Arabs with the heritage of our Corps. The friendships
grew into a special trust and confidence between Arabs and Americans and
became the foundation for future battlefield success.
   In January 1991, partially because of the Task Force Taro and the Saudi
brigade relationship, the 3d Marines displaced forward to Al Mish'ab. The area
had been previously an exclusively Arab sector for combat forces.     Nonetheless,
because of this special rapport, Task Force Taro became the northernmost
forward-deployed Marine combat force in Saudi Arabia.
   At this phase in the deployment, the 1st Marine Division and its combat
forces were located approximately 80 to 100 kilometers south and to the rear of
Task Force Taro.   Therefore, we adopted the concept that if the war were to
suddenly be initiated by the enemy, Task Force Taro would fight with and
alongside Arab Coalition Forces instead of the 1st Marine Division.       Conse-
quently, cross-training with the Arab Coalitions Forces expanded and intensified.
Positioned in the midst of Saudi Army, Marine, and National Guard Forces, as
well as Qatari, Pakistani, Moroccan, Bangladeshi, and later the Afghan "Free-
dom Fighters" (the Mujahadin), Task Force Taro began training daily with
coalition units.
   The Task Force's primary mission was to plan and prepare for helicopter-
borne assaults as the 1st Marine Division's helo assault force.         But once
committed the regiment's tasks would focus on defeating Iraqi armor/mech
counterattack forces.  Therefore, as a basic infantry force with mobile anti-
armor assets limited to TOWs and heavy machineguns, antitank tactics became
critical to Task Force Taro. We had no access to American armor/mech assets;
the Arabs had the only antiarmor assets in the area.      Task Force Taro provided
the helicopters  and  Arabs    provided   the tanks  for     helo assault and in-
fantry-versus-tank classes, respectively.  These cooperative training programs
further strengthened the bonds of professional and personal friendships and
contributed significantly to preparations for the approaching war.
   On 17 January 1991 the allied air campaign was initiated.      In response, the
Iraqi Army conducted supporting arms attacks into Saudi Arabia.       As the most
forward-deployed U.S. combat unit, Task Force Taro became the first American
unit to receive Iraqi artillery, rocket, and missile fire. As a counter to the Iraqi
threat, however, Task Force Taro initiated the first ground-oriented attacks
against Iraqi positions in Kuwait by conducting an artillery raid on 20-21
January.  (See "Artillery in the Desert, 199i: Report #1" MCC, Apr91, for
more details on raids of this type.) Arab Coalition Force observers were invited
to participate and subsequent American Marine instruction and rehearsals with
the Arabs prepared them for the conduct of similar raids.      Thereafter, artillery
raids and border skirmishes were conducted randomly and frequently.
   In retaliation for American and Arab artillery raids, the Iraqi Army attacked
Saudi Arabia.   The Iraqis conducted two coordinated attacks during 29-31