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File: 970107_aug96_decls2_0031.txt
Subject: 8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91 12 APR 91
Unit: 8TH TANK BN
Parent Organization: 2 MARDIV
Box ID: BX600007
Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991
Document Number: 1
Folder Seq #: 5
UNCLASSIFIED
remainder of personnel deployed to SWA.
22 Dec 1990 - 31 Jan 1991
On 22 Dec, the unit began preparing the CDC for Operations. While in tent
city, camp 15, the communications personnel provided comm with division and
subordinate units within the Oth Tank Battalion. Simultaneously, the comm
unit quickly and methodically prepared the units communications assets for
Battalion Operations. Initially plagued with extensive equipment failure, the
unit developed a concise and effective trouble shooting process to decrease
equipment failure and reduce maintenance time thus attaining a high combat
readiness profile for the Battalion's communications equipment. Due to the
inexperience of personnel with new and advanced radio communications
equipment, the comm staff aggressively implemented a training package in order
to prepare the unit for the effective accomplishment of the mission.
Additionally due to the limited number of wiremen on hand, Sgt Maisel$s keen
judgement allowed for the cross training of Communication Center personnel to
successfully support the installation and management of the wire systems
required for the successful conduct of every mission. In preparation for
Battalion Operations, SSgt Shaw reconfigured existing tank communication
systems to accommodate for additional command, control and navigational
systems to include the PLRS and GPS. Because of the insufficient quantity of
Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment aboard the MPS, the Maintenance Section
demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge and creativity by establishing
munications assets while obtaining
high quality results. Through years of experience and devout dedication to
mission accomplishment, prior to deployment SSgt Shaw demonstrated keen
insight in personally purchasing and gathering essential equipment from CONUS
to aid in the maintenance effort. On 31 Dec, the Battalion Commanders and
Staff again received a class on PLRS. This ensured the Battalion the ability
to use the new system to the fullest extent. Making extensive liaison with
2dMarDiv G-G, the communications equipment deficiencies were identified and
planning considerations discussed. Preparing for Battalion Operations, the
Comm Platoon was split into the 22 Man CDC section, headed by Capt Sole, the 8
man combat train section, headed by Corporal Walker, and the 28 man field
train section, headed by SSgt Shaw. The CDC section was primarily responsible
for the planning, implementing and maintaining radio communications for the
Alpha Command and Bravo Command. The Combat Train section was responsible for
the planning, implementing and maintainenance of Logistics communication lines
for the Logistics Operations Center. The Field Train section was responsible
for the Maintenance of Communications equipment. -On 2 San 131, the unit moved
approximately 20 miles North East of Al Jubail and entered field training
operations. To ensure the safety of the unit, the comm platoon planned for,
implemented and maintained communication support for Battalion units, 2d
Marine Division, and adjacent units to support the units in accomplishing
required training on the Thunderbolt Range Complex. Due to the distances
between the Bnls position and the PLRS master station, PLRS support was
mal. In preparation for Combat Operations the Battalion held a CommEx on
5-G Jan, using the AAY/C7 Command and Control Tracked Vehicle. (in January 5,
WOI R. R. KILE joined the unit as the radio/maintenance officer. He was
placed in charge of the communications personnel assigned to the Field Train.
On the 18-20 Jan, the unit moved 120 miles to a defensive position south of Al
Kabrit. To support this movement the Comm Platoon planned and implemented
communications retransmission sites to provide reliable command and control
for units often separated in excess of one hundred miles. The reliability of
the communication circuits ensured the safety and ultimate success of the
movement of the Battalion. At this time, the unit was attached to the 6th
30
UNCLASSIFIED
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Document 60 f:/Week-34/BX600007/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991/8th tank bn command chronology nov 90 to mar 91:01029709504317
Control Fields 17
File Room = aug96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-34
Box ID = BX600007
Unit = 8TH TANK BN
Parent Organization = 2 MARDIV
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991
Folder Seq # = 5
Subject = 8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-JAN-1997