Operation Desert Shield

Problems in Deploying by Rail Need Attention Gao ID: NSIAD-93-30 November 13, 1992

To rapidly deploy its forces in wartime, the Army depends on the rail system to transport its equipment from installations to ports of embarkation. The rail facilities and loading operations at Army mobilization stations are therefore focal points for deployment, and they are expected to become increasingly critical as Army units in Germany, Korea, and other locations return to the United States. At the six mobilization stations GAO visited, the Army transported unit equipment to ports as scheduled during the 6-month period covered by Operation Desert Shield, but deteriorated rail facilities at some mobilization stations constrained loading operations. Future conflicts could easily require the deployment of even great numbers of U.S. forces during shorter periods of time. The Army began a program in fiscal year 1986 to repair rail facilities, but the effort's effectiveness has been severely hampered by program management problems. Also, the Pentagon and the Army have not corrected many deployment problems that GAO identified in 1987.

GAO found that: (1) the Army transported unit equipment at six mobilization stations to ports as scheduled during Operation Desert Shield; (2) deteriorated rail facilities at some mobilization stations constrained outloading operations; (3) the Forces Command (FORSCOM) initiated a rail rehabilitation program in fiscal year 1986, but changed its guidance concerning repairs and redirected program funds to other projects; (4) DOD and the Army have not corrected many deployment problems previously identified; (5) the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) has not accurately determined the number or types of commercial flatcars available to support deployment; and (6) FORSCOM has not determined the amounts of material and equipment needed for loading rail cars during deployment or taken sufficient action to distribute these items among mobilization stations.

Recommendations

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