TRANSPORTATION
INTRODUCTION: Airlift support for this operation was done extremely well. Airlift assets also moved elements of twenty-two FBI SWAT teams, from thirteen locations aboard eight C-141s. Airlift support was provided through the Director of Military Support (DOMS) to U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to assign airlift assets. All accompanying cargo and personnel were delivered to the Los Angeles area in less than twenty-four hours. However, some National Guard units experienced problems with ground transportation. Convoy clearances were delayed for some units and military buses from area installations were often unavailable for use.
TOPIC: Commercial Ground Movement.
DISCUSSION: During the assembly phase, units coordinated for commercial ground movement to staging areas, and to military airfields because military buses were not available. Units had taken all necessary action for emergency bus requests and these were passed by telephone as directed by the Emergency Procedures Manual (EPM) through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and to USPFO. Because of holiday events and graduations, there was difficulty in getting buses to units. The brigade headquarters also requested Navy buses initially to move subordinate and headquarters units to Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda and NAS Moffett. The Navy requires reimbursement contracts up front before it will provide transportation.
LESSON(S):
TOPIC: Operations Security (OPSEC).
DISCUSSION: The use of civilian rental vans for resupply, distribution, and shuttle service enhanced OPSEC and helped to protect the force. During the operation, local gangs did not want a confrontation with military forces. Random incidents of violence were common, making force protection a high priority. While a CI mission, domestic law makes force protection in civil disturbances a local, state and federal law enforcement agency mission unless exceptions are made at the national level. Using commercial vehicles for resupply and transportation helped protect the force by preventing criminal elements from monitoring military movements.
LESSON(S): Consider using commercial rental vehicles to mask unit movements or operations during civil disturbance operations.
TOPIC: Use of Local Rapid-Transit Assets.
DISCUSSION: The use of municipal buses helped overcome transportation shortfalls. In the early stages of the operation, forces were introduced incrementally which strained the JTF's ability to provide enough transportation. One-way streets, rush-hour traffic, and a general unfamiliarity with Los Angeles neighborhoods further compounded the problem. The JTF overcame the difficulty by using local rapid-transit assets. During a civil disturbance, the transit system may curtail normal operations and might have buses available to transport soldiers. The drivers know their way around the city and are familiar with traffic patterns. To effectively coordinate military use of the transit system, a liaison officer needs to be assigned to facilitate these requirements.
LESSON(S):
Communications
Arming
Order Levels and Rules of Engagement (ROE)
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