A Look Back - 10th anniversary - Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm - Brief Article

Editor's Note: During the 10th anniversary commemoration of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm (August 22, 2000 to June 10, 2001), this feature will be found inside each edition of the Army Reserve magazine. It will contain one or more historical items about the Army Reserve participation during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Lt. Col. Randy Pullen is with the Public airs and Liaison Directorate, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve and writes the historical pieces.

Presidential call-up

On August 22, 1990, President Bush authorized the call-up of Selected Reserve units and individuals for Operation DESERT SHIELD. More than 84,000 Army Reserve soldiers went on to provide combat support and combat service support to the Army in the Persian Gulf and stateside.

Activating units

On August 27, 1990, Army Reserve units begin activating for Operation DESERT SHIELD. Hundreds of Army Reservists had already volunteered and been placed on active duty, knowing how critical their skills were for any build-up. Reserve units; especially power projection units, were called up in order to move the Army to the Persian Gulf. Other types of units were mobilized as well. The first Army Reserve unit mobilized was the 46th Judge Advocate General Detachment (International Law Team), Boston, Mass., which was quickly deployed to Saudi Arabia and served as the legal staff for the 22nd Support Command. The case of Army Reserve lawyers illustrates how Army Reserve capabilities are deeded at both ends of any deployment: The deployed commander and the troops in the theater of operations have numerous legal needs, of course, but there are a number of legal issues -- such as the preparation of wills and powers of attorney -- that must be taken care of before soldiers can move from home station in the United States.

USARC established

In the middle of the biggest mobilization of the Army Reserve in a generation, an important development takes place in the organizational structure of the Army Reserve. The U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) is provisionally established on October 1, 1990. One year later, USARC becomes a Major Subordinate Command of Forces Command (FORSCOM). The following year, on October 1, 1992, USARC assumes command of all Army Reserve units, less special operations forces add those Army Reserve units outside the continental United States.

COPYRIGHT 2001 U.S. Army Reserve
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