COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 11TH MARINES 13 MAR 91

File: 970725_dec96_decls29_0013.txt
Page: 0013
Total Pages: 61
Subject = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY  11TH  MARINES  13 MAR 91                    

Parent Organization = SECDEF      

Unit = HQMC        

Folder Title = 11TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY  JAN  FEB  91  SEC 1 OF 2                                       

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX600135




                                       UNCLASSIF ED


          opportunities to provide input in developing     division fire support
          plans and coordination measures.
                                FIRE SUPPORT BA@TLE SYNOPSIS

              The written fire support plans developed by the division FSCC
          and Ilth Marines prior to the beginning of the ground war formed
          the foundation from which changes could be made during the battle
          with minimum confusion. The division commander and the division
          fire support coordinator had both clearly stated their intent. The
          -Fast pace of the battle precluded formal plans fi-ofr. being
          published. Changes were made primarily over the radio by       verbal
          orders/instructions.


              In terms of fire support coordinating measures, I MEF
          originally planned six FSCLS. Ist MarDiv planned Fc3CL IA      but it
          was never implemented. :During the first part of the war,      in
          accordance with 7>rd MAW's request, MEF was-. working off of   a 3 hour
          advance notification before a new FSCL would be effective.         i
          Although thir, reqltirpfnent did reduce the flexibility of linl,,i;lg a
          change of the FSCL to the current tactical situation, its impact
          was minimal. During the later stages of the war, a MEF FSCL 6 was
          placed into effect on 26 Feb and two CINCCENT FSCL's were made
          effective, late or. 27 Feb and early on 2E3 Feb.

              The division FSCC initially planned three CFLS. A fourth CFL
          was put into effect on 25 Feb and cancelled after a short period of
          time since it did not Support the tactical scheme of MAneLiver. A
          final division CFL 5 was put into effect on 2t, Feb and later
          cancelled when no longer needed.

              A series of -Firp. sLtp,3ort coordinatinn measures were also
          established to support TF XRAY's heliborne operation. These
          measures included an airspace coordination area (ACA), two FFAS,
          and a Restrictive Fire Line (RFL) between TF XRAY and TF Papa Bear.
          They were initially put into effect on the afternoon of 24 Feb.
          The mission was aborted for that day arid modifications male -for the
          heliborne insert the following day into terrain controlled by the
          division.

              Prior to the ground war, Ilth Marines developed a plan which
          was instrumental to the success of the fire support operation. it
          included a detailed plan for the movement of artillery battalions,
          mission taskings, and animuri)tion resupply accompanied by a
          step-by-step graphic depiction of the battle up to Al Jaber. Any
          changes required by the tactical situation could be made with minor
          adjustments. Throughout the war, artillery missions changed to
          ensure that committed task forces had artillery support (to i6clLtde
          those units without a habitual artillery battalion (TF Shepherd or
          TF XRAY). In addition, the main attack (TF Ripper) was weighted by
          having an artillery unit in a reinforcing mode which enabled the DS
          battalion to remain mobile to keep up with rapid advance of the
          maneuver forces. The fire power of the regiment was also          t
          concentrated at critical times during the attacks on MEF objectives


                                                                     ENCLOSURE (1)

                                   UNCLASSIFIED