TASK FORCE III DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: aaacf_14.txt
Page: 14
Total Pages: 273

"Go" medications were used by 57% of TAC pilots and considered essential
to operations by 61% of those who used them. There were no adverse side effects
reported. Control of these medications was borderline in at least two locations. In
one case, a mission crew commander requested authority to dispense "Go" pills to
his crew in flight. A summary of this program is contained in Appendix C.
Missed meals were a problem for aircrews either because dining halls were
not open during ground times or pilots chose sleeping over eating in a demanding schedule.
At the start of the war, many bases changed billeting arrangements for
aircrew to enhance security. In a few cases this increased crowding or resulted
in a location closer to the flight line and thus more noisy. In some cases, crews
were not separated according to their flying schedule creating additional
difficulties for those trying to sleep.
Spatial disorientation was also a significant problem in the featureless
terrain of the Arabian desert. Two non-combat fighter losses were attributed to
this factor. There was a report of an A-10 pilot who radioed to his wingman
that he saw him below. In fact the wingman was above and the pilot was flying
upside-down when he perceived himself properly oriented. A summary of the Air
Force mishap experience in the Persian Gulf is contained in Appendix D.
The pace of the war was so rapid that many individuals did not have time to
deal with personal emotions such as loss of a squadron mate or the reality of
killing. Squadron commanders did conduct memorial services. There was some
concern that dealing with these emotions may present problems later.
Reports of pyridostigmine side effects far exceeded that predicted by ground-
testing studies. Severe gas, bloating, and diarrhea were reported. Aircrews
expressed some concern about long-term effects of the drug and a large
percentage in some locations opted not to take it because then assessed the
chemical threat to be low. One aircrew survey was conducted by an SME in
theater and the results are presented in Appendix E.
One wing surveyed their aircrew for reactions to the anthrax vaccine. Of
169 surveyed, 155 (92%) reported some reaction. Local reactions were primarily
tenderness and redness. Generalized reactions were reported by 36 (30%) and
included feverish feeling, generalized myalgia, and headache. Only 5 (3%) felt
the reactions were severe enough to affect flying duties.
Flight surgeons tended to liberalize regulations on medications and flying.
Penicillin, motrin, sudafed, and non-sedating antihistamines were used after an
initial DNIF period.
Use of the yellow High Contrast Visor was variable. Some units had not
seen the visor before arrival in theater, and were reluctant to try something new"
when preparing for combat. Greatest use (up to 40%) was by F-15 pilots flying
combat air patrol missions. No problems were reported. The amber laser eye
protective visor was used primarily by the F-4G crews. There were no laser eye
injuries reported among Air Force personnel.

T R A I N I N G I S S U E S

SME's overwhelmingly agreed that exercise deployments are the best
training for wartime deployments. TAC Operational Readiness Exercises and
the Combat Casualty Course taken at Camp Bullis were also considered very valuable.