WrrH THE 2D MARINE DWlSION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM             63


before due to General Keys' guidance that the regiments were to focus on each
day's mission as it unfolded.~~ However, in the commanders' meetings prior to
the start of the ground campaign, the MEF objectives and commander's intent
were clearly stated. Also, the key areas in each regimental zone close to the
MEF objective, and their relation to the over-all plan, had been identified,
explained,  and discussed. In this way, each of the division's subordinate
commanders knew what was ultimately expected of the division, even as they
concentrated on immediate tasks. Now General Keys was prepared to set the
final division objectives for his three maneuver elements.
    The 8th Marines was to attack through to Phase Line Bear, the road leading
west and north and upon which the Iraqis were trying to escape. It was to seize
division objective 4, which contained an Iraqi barracks, and orient to the
northeast to protect the division's flank against counterattack from Kuwait City.
The 6th Marines was to attack toward division objective 3, to control the key
cloverleaf on the road from Kuwait City, and destroy enemy columns attempting
to escape to Iraq. The Tiger Brigade was to seize division objective 2, the high
ground dominating Al Jahrah and prevent the escape of Iraqi columns to the
north.210
    At the commanders' meeting that morning, the concept of operations and the
fire support plan were explained, and the overlays distributed. Following their


                                       Dcpartment of Defense Photo (USMC) 0722 10 91
MajGen William M. Keys with officers of the "Tiger" Brigade on their final objective at
Al Jahrah.