AF RESERVE MONOGRAPH OPERATION DESERT SHIELD RESERVISTS AT SHARJAH:

File: aabqn_14.txt
Page: 14
Total Pages: 25





            		Everyone pitched in and helped where there was a need. A not
            too popular need was the requirement for everyone to fill at least ten
            sandbags. This task was accomplished under the control of the Security
            Police and Disaster Preparedness personnel. The sandbags were placed
            around tents and bunkers as well as used to construct revetments around
            critical equipment and facilities such as portable generators and light-alls
            (portable lighting), usually three feet on a side and high enough to prevent
            blast/fragment damage.23

            		Latrines were much in demand and few in number. None could
            be designated for female use only, so one latrine in the hooch area had a
            flip sign (Men on one side, Women on the other). When the "Women" sign
            was up, men were not permitted entry. Women flipped the sign back as
            they exited. Three shower stalls in hangar 2 (blue hangar) had sufficient
            room for dressing and females were encouraged to shower and dress
            there.29
:
            		Facilities were not what Americans were accustomed to and unit
            personnel worked hard to improve the appearance and conditions of the
            latrine and shower area. One of the noncommissioned officers completely
            rewired the fixtures, and installed new lights. Many problems were
            experienced with the plumbing stopping up because it was not designed
            to be used with American style toilet paper. When "bomb dump" paper
            waste cans were provided, the system worked better.30

            		Although conditions were primitive in some areas, Air Force
            standards were respected. In a letter to Air Force personnel, Lt Gen
            Charles A. Homer, US Central Command Air Forces (USCENTAF)
            Commander, informed everyone that the system ran on discipline and he
            wanted strict standards of excellence observed. Although it was hot, dusty,
            and the possibility of combat existed, he expected people to wear their
            uniforms properly. In addition, personnel were to keep host country culture
            in mind, and "maintain the highest standard of military courtesy and respect
            for one another and our host national military forces. 31

-------------------
               28 Blair Intvw; Desert Shield News, 8 Sep 90.

               29 Smith Intvw; Desert Shield News, 27 Aug 90.

               30  Smith Intvw.

               31 Ltr, USCENTAF/CC to All Deployed Personnel, "COMUSCENTAF
            Policy and Guidance," 3 Sep 90.

               


			                        9