54th Forward Support Battalion in Desert Shield/Desert Storm

摘要

From May 31, 1989 to June 6, 1991, I commanded the 54th Forward Support Battalion(FSB) supporting Third Brigade, Third Armor Division in Friedberg, Germany. This great battalion has many achievements to its credit but none so outstanding as its performance in the Southwest Asian Theater of Operations from early January to mid June 1991. I write this monograph for several reasons. First, to give due credit to the incredible courage and determination of the soldiers who never failed to surprise me with what they accomplished in the most trying of circumstances. Second, to illustrate that there is no substitute for training in preparation for war. Lastly, to discuss several logistic issues that require the attention of the Army leadership. I discuss the experience from the perspective of a forward deployed CSS commander. Therefore, a good deal of the discussion focuses on logistics rather than the details of battle. However, Appendix A provides a general timeline that may aid the reader. At Appendix B is the VII Corps Deployment and Plan of attack in which Third Armor Division participated. it will help place the reader geographically. At Appendix Care the graphics of the Third Armor Division's campaign, Operation Desert Spear 24-28 February 1991.