WITH THE 2D MARINE DIVISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM            71


                                         Department of Defense Photo (USN) 91 09899
On the way back are Marines of Healquaflers Battalion, traveling from Kuwait City to
Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia.

   By the middle of March, the division began to prepare for its own
withdrawal to Saudi Arabia. On 14 March, the 2d Tank Battalion moved south
to Al Mishab, and would be followed by other units over the next several days
as the division returned to Al Jubayl. In the midst of this movement, the Tiger
Brigade returned to the operational control of ArCent on 23 March. On 30
March, the division main CP displaced, to be followed the next day by
Headquarters Battalion.~ But not all  of the division was returning.    The
Headquarters, 8th Marines, was to remain in Kuwait to provide a "presence" of
U.S. forces in the area and to provide a forward defense for Kuwait in its
sector. In this way the continued security of Kuwait could be ensured as it began
to rebuild. A small regiment was formed using the regimental headquarters, the
2d Battalion, 4th Marines, and the 3d Battalion, 23d Marines. These battalions
were supported by the 3d Battalion, 10th Marines, and other combat support and
combat service support units as necessary. Even Hornet and Harrier aircraft
were designated in support of this force. At first, the 8th Marines reported
directly to CG, I MEF for operations, but after the latter's departure, the
regiment came under the operational control of Major General Norman E.
Ehlert, Commander, Marine Forces Southwest Asia.~
   At Al Jubayl, the main activity was the preparation of equipment for
shipment back to Camp Lejeune or for reembarkation with the MPS shipping.
The work was long and often tedious, but spirits were buoyed by the knowledge
that the day for returning to the United States would soon arrive. A special
detachment from the Southwest Asia Training Group, led by Lieutenant Colonel
John R. Michaud, was present to assist with the demobilization of the division's
Reservists. Discharge forms were signed, discharge physical conducted, and pre-
separation briefings given about the benefits and entitlements due on separation
from active duty.