Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

for OJE. It allowed us to continue the same degree of
support to Operation JOINT GUARD (OJG). Equipment got
the maintenance that was long overdue; equally important,
soldiers’ and families’ morale reached unequaled heights.
Our soldiers, who had proven themselves under tough
conditions and who were proud of themselves for their
accomplishments, returned to heroes’ welcomes and some
well-deserved rest.
For the newly deployed soldiers, the precedence was set.
We had in place an approved maintenance-recycling plan
supported by all the USAREUR leadership. Fully aware
that they would return to garrison in late summer, these
soldiers eagerly and proudly assumed the missions their
predecessors had earlier accomplished.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Despite the significant achievements, the battalion and I
also endured some tough experiences. For example,
throughout the planning phase, we were not sure until
mid-November that deployment operations were going to
go. And not until December 8, did we get the final GO to
deploy the 70th and 260th on December 11. For families and
soldiers, the waiting was terrible. On top of that, the
deployment mode for the units varied week by week. I’ve
already described the CEGE draw scenario. Coupled with
the equipment draw, the unit was scheduled to deploy to the
Balkan AOR by rail—then by barge—then back to rail. This
flip-flopping of carrier mode continued for months until the
decision to void the PLS draw was issued. When I was told
that we’d use our organic equipment, my decision to convoy
was quickly endorsed by my senior chain of command.
We never expected to operate a full-scale A/DACG at
Ramstein Air Base. Every planning session indicated that
major unit deployments would originate from Rhein Main.
Ramstein would be dedicated for resupply operations only.
The CG, 1st Armored Division argued that convoy
operations from Baumholder to Rhein Main would cause
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