Introduction
The Battle of 73 Easting was a war fought between the United States VII Corps and the Tawakalna Division of the Iraqi Republican Guard in 1991. The Battle of 73 Easting became one of many army fights that took place in Desert Storm. War tactics used in this battle were entirely different from the strategies employed in the current world. The development of modern war tactic methods such as the use of chemical weapons, and long-range ballistic missiles among others, are all signs that army forces must be ready to fight and win wars in complex environments and under a broader range of conditions (MacGregor, 2012). There are numerous lessons and observations learned from different combat experiences. The essay gives a detailed explanation of the Battle of 73 Easting, causes, impacts, and lessons learned from experience.
On the 23rd February of 1991, the Second army Squadron surged into Iraq, where it commenced a coveted offensive force mission. Lieutenant General Frederick led the US Squadron with an aim to cloak and overthrow the Republican Guard from the west side. Usually, the Iraqi resistance armies were positioned to the south, while the Republican Guard oriented to the north. Rumors of the Regiment attack on Iraqi led to a reorientation of the armed forces in Kuwait. Some components of the Republican Guard such as the Tawakalna Division reorganized to the west. The objective of the Second Armored Cavalry was to lead the attack easing the forward surge of the corps. This strategy ensured that they defeated the units before their premature deployment in the fight. Eagle Troop comprising the Second Platoon led its regimental operations locating the frontier between the Republican Guard and the divisions of the Iraqi soldiers. The Eagle Troop together with other troop engagements provided the required insights to the Corps commander before committing the large groups.
The first day of engagement, F Troop penetrated 20 kilometers into Iraq territory and halted awaiting other groups to cave. Led by First Lieutenant TJ Linzy the forces engaged Iraqi squad defeating several enemies. The US Troop encountered the first battle action on the 24th moments after penetrating further to the north. At dusk, the Iraqi Republican Guard divisions attacked vigorously as the F Troops halted. Engagement of the enemy with a tank, direct fire from Bradleys, and indirect fire from mortars resulted in conceding of the enemy to the F Troop. On the nightfall of 25th, Captain Joe Sartiano leading the G Troop attacked and destroyed Iraqi Republican Guard vehicles with brand new weapons (U.S. Government, 2015). On the following morning, an order from the VII Corps shifted the direction of other regiments from northeast to east angle of attack.
There was heavy rain on the night of the 26th, and a dense fog covered the atmosphere that limited visibility beyond 200 meters. After the fog had lifted, a severe sandstorm reigned the terrains adversely affecting all air operations. In the evening, the regiment ordered its squadrons to continue attacks to the east, to pinpoint Republican Guard defense position. The troops used generic map scales to monitor the progress in the desert as they did not have area maps. The First Squadron was entering a zone where the Tawakalna Division and some components of the 10th Armored Division had occupied. The Republican Guard soldiers were conversant with the terrain and the surrounding environment. Led by Major Mohammed, a graduate of the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, they assumed that the VII Corps would verge along the roads (Guardia, 2015). Mohammed’s resistance was well equipped and fundamentally fit to take advantage of the rough terrain. He established two areas of engagement on the eastern flank, north, and to the south of the territory.
The initial engagement with the forces happened in 1607 after Staff Sergeant John McReynolds’s Bradley went over an Iraqi dugout. Iraqi forces had positioned the trench to provide information and act as an early warning to the rest of the forces. Two Iraqi soldiers were captured and taken as prisoners to the VII Corps trains. Sergeant Maurice Harris, McReynolds’s wingman, remained in the area while visualizing through the raging sand. He was later joined by Lieutenant Gauthier, who gave the necessary backup before initiating the attack. Sergeant Maurice came beneath a 23mm cannon, and machine gun fire that led to the engagement of both forces (Tucker, 2014). The battle lasted for twenty-three minutes with serious injuries and deaths of soldiers from both wings. The Iraqi’s Tawakalna Division, alongside other sympathizers conceded defeat after an intense attack on their soil. After the battle, most of the VII Corps were send to the US for redeployment with others being inactivated.
Military Lessons Learned from the Battle of 73 Easting
Always command from the Front
Leaders must always be forward of their subordinates to gain an understanding and knowledge of situations before making decisions. Sergeant Harris moved forward through the sandstorms to get a clear visual and disseminate the information to soldiers. Lieutenant Gauthier joined him in assessing the situation. Gauthier fired a missile into the Iraqi’s village to orient the divisions for the attack.
Take the first bullet/ fire
The principle of shoot first is a crucial tactic in war as the shooting side takes an early advantage over the enemy. A shoot first operation is performed when there is enough knowledge of the friendly forces and no threat of civilian casualties. Attacks made by the Platoons under the command of various officers like Sergeant Maurice Harris, Lieutenant Gauthier played a significant role in the battle.
Battle throughout the war irrespective of environmental conditions
Often, battles are filled with confusion and numerous gunfire activities. As the VII Corps suppressed the Republican Guard soldiers, the rest of the Regiment launched the missile and fired while advancing on the enemy (Guardia, 2015). Orders from senior soldiers and commandants are vital to maintaining effective communication during the battle.
Always follow Intuitions and Instincts during the fight
It is important to follow one's instincts and intuitions during battles to counteract the enemy before succumbing to the attack. A change of direction by the Platoons from the north side of eastward course was made after assessing the situation at hand. The First Squadron moved forward, maintaining communication with the rest of Platoons.
Use an ordinary measure of fire and war drills
When fighting the enemy, it is tactical to aim at overwhelming the enemy once the engagement commences. As observed in this war, the Troops fired the center gun destroying the first tank. Other two tanks were burnt down as the second and third platoons advanced towards the enemy. In a span of one minute, everything in the range of the US soldiers’ guns was down in flames (MacGregor, 2012). Control of tanks and distribution of fire towards the enemy ensured a larger area of destruction. Coordination between platoons also provides a mutual support.
Conclusion
The U.S soldiers carried out a dangerous gunfire on the Iraqis, succumbing to a few injuries. The famous 73 Easting battle derived its name from the engagement grid position the war took place. Lessons learned from the desert storm fight have provided a significant model for soldiers in studying war. The 73 Easting has influenced the training and development programs offered in Iraq and the rest of the world.
References
Guardia, M. (2015). The Fires of Babylon: Eagle Troop and the Battle of 73 Easting. Pennsylvania: Casemate Publishers.
MacGregor, D. (2012). Warrior's Rage: The Great Tank Battle of 73 Easting. Maryland: Naval Institute Press.
Tucker, S. C. (2014). Battles That Changed American History: 100 of the Greatest Victories and Defeats. California: ABC-CLIO.
U.S.Government. (2015). Battle of 73 Easting. New York: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
