Desert Shield/Storm

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the U.S. Transportation Command’s effectiveness during Operation Desert Shield, focusing on whether the Command: (1) had adequate transportation plans and preparations; and (2) effectively managed transportation of troops and equipment. GAO found that: (1) during Operation Desert Shield deployment, actual deliveries of troops and supplies lagged behind Central Command requirements, but the Transportation Command was able to substantially meet the requirements due to the 5-month delay before fighting began; (2) the Transportation Command did not support the Central Command’s deployment needs as rapidly and effectively as intended; (3) the Transportation Command’s management of wartime theater transportation was hampered by lack of an operational plan, agreed-upon operating procedures and lines of responsibility for a wartime situation, and a fully implemented central deployment database with accurate and complete transportation information; (4) despite those problems, the Transportation Command performed responsively and at a high operating temp; and (5) the Department of Defense has prepared proposals to address the problems it encountered during the deployment.