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undesirable; however, sending improperly equipped personnel into a 
combat zone is clearly negligent and could have resulted in the 
unnecessary loss of life. This situation must receive immediate 
attention. 
 
Recommendation. Initiate immediate measures to rapidly and properly 
equip all AE personnel, regardless of component. Take action to 
ensure that no improperly equipped AE personnel are ever permitted to 
deploy into a combat environment. 
 
(2) Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADP). 
 
Observation. AE elements did not deploy with the necessary ADP 
equipment to process mission paperwork, crew scheduling, reports and 
documents that AE operations require. 
 
Discussion. As the management elements for the AE system, the AECC, 
AECEs, and MASFs need ADP equipment to streamline management and 
administrative systems. These elements cannot process the voluminous 
amount of mission paperwork, crew schedules and reports required with 
only one computer, a typewriter, and field desks that serve as filing 
cabinets. Given the size of the AE system employed and the number of 
personnel assigned, computers were essential for mission and 
personnel management. Fourteen additional computers and a variety of 
support software were procured after deployment. Personnel and 
logistics data base systems were designed utilizing DBase III Plus 
computer software. These programs allowed for tracking personnel and 
managing the medical equipment and supply inventories. Word 
processing capability made it possible to prepare and publish AE 
directives, the AECE Procedures Manual and daily standardized 
reports. Briefings for DV/VIPs and the COMALF were produced with 
Harvard Graphics software. Lotus 1-2-3 software was invaluable for 
crew scheduling and tracking. To facilitate the collection of data 
from AE elements in the field, computer systems with modem capability 
and/or telefax machines are necessary links of communication between 
the AECC, AECEs, MASFs, and AELTs. The transmission of large data 
files by these means would ensure accuracy and timeliness. In 
addition, photocopiers for the reproduction of unclassified documents 
are needed. AE elements can not rely on other offices located in 
their vicinity for support. The AECC and AECEs, deploying with 
limited or out-dated office equipment, had to purchase six desk top 
computers, 14 laptop computers and six photocopiers, all of which 
should be added to the TA for AECC and AECEs. 
 
Recommendation. Revise TA 903 equipment .authorization to include 
three computers, a photocopier and a telefax machine for the AECC. 
Modify TA 903 or create a separate TA for AECEs to include two 
computers, a photocopier, and a telefax machine. Do the same to add 
laptop computer capability for AELTs and MASFs. Purchase and/or 
develop functional software to support AE operations at each element. 
 
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