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Tapline RoadDespite the confusion engendered by the rapid buildup, Army CentralCommand could point to great progress during the first month in SaudiArabia. By early September, the entire 82d Airborne Division and thefirst elements of the 24th Infantry Division had arrived. The rest of the24th and the 101st Airborne Division were on the way. The partnershipwith the Saudi government was evolving as well, and a logistical supportorganization was emerging. The shield was rapidly falling into place.The mission of Desert Shield was to defend Saudi Arabia withwhatever forces were on hand while a buildup of additional forces wasoccurring. Success relied in part on presenting the Iraqis the illusion offacing a more formidable force than the United States was initially ableto bring into the country. Had the Iraqis attacked in force before thedefenses were in place, the results could have been catastrophic. OnceDesert Shield was set, the result was far from certain; but had the Iraqisattacked, their armored units would have faced a formidable defensein depth. Outlying security elements would have called in waves of airand aviation counterstrikes while retiring upon heavier forces to theirrear. Soon, the Iraqi attack would have driven into heavy and preciselysurveyed artillery fires and then it would have encountered the deadlyaccuracy of Abrams tanks and TOW missiles mounted on M3 Bradleyfighting vehicles. American direct-fire weapons had double the effective16