36                                      U.S. MARFNES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


Proceedings: Who handled initial construction?

Brabbam: All of the general-support engineering came through the combined
efforts of two Marine engineer battalions and one SeaBee regiment.         The
primary engineering effort was to improve the existing airfields in the region.
The Saudi airfields had tremendous runways, but they were lacking in aprons
and parking areas and those sorts of ancillary facilities.   So we had a major
Navy-Marine Corps construction effort under way, to make the airfields fully
capable of supporting tactical operations. We couldn't spend much time building
living or working spaces for the first couple of months, so units in the field had
to rely on tentage--but living under canvas worked out okay, even though it was
hot.

Proceedings: Other than offloading and getting the air-fields in shape, what were
your major concerns? Any shortages?

Brabham: None to speak of.      We were able to validate the MPS concept by
providing 30-plus days of material and supplies.  We were fortunate, in that the
Saudi Arabian infrastructure is pretty good, even though it is concentrated along
the coast.  The Saudis were able to assist us initially with an abundant supply
of fuel, some water, and even some basic ration support--helping to solve our
first major problems.    After that, our priority was to get our Marine forces
deployed to their defensive positions in the desert, then to establish immediate
resupply processes to keep them in water, fuel, and--of course--ammunition.
    Most of our efforts from the beginning concentrated on unloading, hauling,
and laying down ammunition in basic stowage facilities in the desert.   In fact,
ammunition    remained   the  logistical driving  factor throughout  the entire
operation.  A 30-day supply of ammunition for a Marine division adds up to
about 265,000 tons.  Try to imagine stacking, moving, and storing that amount
of ammo, and you'll get some idea of the strain it placed on our transportation
system.

Proceedings: As more and more Marines arrived in country, did you spread
your support operations out from Al Jubayl?

Brahham: Our initial defensive perimeter was some 30 miles away from the
port, out in the desert.  Within weeks, as we developed our defense-in-depth,
we had forces operating 80 miles out from the port, in areas with absolutely no
supporting infrastructure.  Here we were, still in the defensive--Desert Shield-
-part of the operation, and we were already required to provide support over
terrain and distances that Marines don't normally think about.   Our immediate
response   was  to establish  several   forward-~based combat   service support
detachments, capable of providing all classes of supply to the forwardmost units.