The deployment of US military forces in support of Operation Desert Shield has been characterized as the largest movement of combat forces since World War II. From the US Air Force perspective, preparation of the network of air bases needed to support this operation had begun more than a decade prior to actual implementation. Deployment of air forces in the early August 1190 time frame depended on the preparation and training of the AF Engineering and Services cadres deployed to support air operations. This report incorporates the lessons learned, primarily from a base support perspective, by a comprehensive gathering of the experiences of personnel involved in Desert Shield / Desert Storm / Proven Force / [Operation] Provide comfort.

Spiral binding. NMERI OC 92/31

Foreword -- Executive summary -- Introduction -- Methodology -- Operational concepts. Introduction -- Planning definitions -- Key dates -- Deployment and redeployment chronology -- Initial deployment decisions -- Interservice concepts -- Intraservice concepts -- Active and reserve forces -- CENTAF / Rear staff -- CENTAF / Forward staff -- The combat support element -- Roles of Red Horse and Prime Beef -- Roles of Prime Ribs and Prime FARE -- CONUS sustaining force concepts -- CONUS support by MAJCOMs and the AFESC -- Transition from concepts to analysis -- Analysis of lessons learned. Survey results. Preparation -- Customer support -- Employment -- Readiness -- Lessons learned results. General -- Civil Engineering -- Services -- Fire fighters -- Air base operability -- Disaster preparedness -- Explosive ordnance disposal.