40                                U.S. MARINES IN TIlE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


                                      Department of Defense Photo (USMC) 0300 6 91
6th Marines units on the move in Kuwait are supported by attack helicopters.

the area of the breach with about 500 guns. Many of these out-ranged the 10th
Marines' M198 155mm howitzers, whose range was a little over 30 kilometers
using rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP). To ensure that the assault elements had
the timely, accurate, and responsive fire support they would need, it was worth
taking the calculated risk to move the artillery ahead of the rest of the maneuver
units. A measure of security would be provided to them by the 2d LAl
Battalion, and the 3d Battalion, 23d Marines, in screening positions to the
division's flanks.
    At 1600, another group which had to be in place by the eve of the ground
assault had left the area of the division's main command post. The breach
control group, a small party of officers and enlisted Marines from the division's