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

The ground/air refuel and supply functions—to include
aviation intensively managed items (AIMI)—were fully
operational by December 28. The supply distribution point
had developed into a half-acre storage area, which
facilitated distribution of supplies to units in Bosnia. The
distribution of supplies included medium-lift CH-47
aircraft, intra-theater Air Force C-130 assets, and internal
five-ton tractor-trailers. Within a 2-week period, the
battalion airlifted and convoyed 300 pallets containing over
10,000 parts and equipment to the Tuzla AOR. The CH-47
unit assigned to the battalion flew over 35 sorties in support
of this critical resupply mission, which included mine rollers
for M-1 tanks and M-2 Bradley engines.
The phase inspection schedule continued with two
AH-64s and one UH-60 inducted in the program. Our
primary objective was to complete as many phase
inspections as possible in order to build the flying hour
reserve (bank time). Given the average number of daily
flight hours, the battalion staff estimated the requirement
for 30 phase inspections to keep pace with the first 6 months
of operations. This amount was three times the number of
man-hours needed during normal operations in Central
Region, Germany.
CONSTRUCTION OF WORKHORSE
INTERNATIONAL AIRFIELD
Another unplanned requirement was construction of a
working airfield at the ISB. This airfield was not a part of
the operational plan, so the battalion started from zero. The
airfield layout included a tent city, crash rescue facility, and
air traffic control tower, and and it entailed establishment
of a perimeter defense plan. This tent city would include
tents, latrine/shower facilities, an aid station, and a dining
facility. This base camp supported over 600 soldiers and
civilians from eight different units. Battalion soldiers’ living
facilities (the actual tents) were our first priority. The
battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) arranged for the
Air Force unit (code name Prime Beef) to construct the tent
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