75th Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Resupply during Operation Desert Storm

摘要

This study compares ammunition resupply doctrine for nondivisional units with the75th FA Brigade experiences during Desert Storm. The intent is to analyze the reasons the 75th was nearly out of ammunition at the end of the war. A four step process identifies the inadequacies of current resupply doctrinal procedures, the impact of future distribution system improvements, the experiences of the 75th FA Brigade resupply operations and a synthesis of what doctrinal improvements should alleviate the potential of similar problems occurring in the future. The comparison determined the ammunition distribution system albeit with ongoing improvements was capable of sustaining the 75th FA Brigade. The Desert Storm resupply problems occurred because the 75th did not properly prepare for wartime operations. Peacetime constraints prevented the unit from drawing ammunition as they would during war. The key to successful resupply operations is proper practice of resupply doctrinal procedures during peacetime training.