FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – On December 6, 2024, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) hosted an Air Assault Symposium, bringing together veterans of the storied division, current leaders, and soldiers to reflect on lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm and their relevance to today’s fight. The event underscored the division’s unwavering commitment to its four priorities: fight further, faster, in the fiercest conditions; fight tonight and win; fight tomorrow’s fight today; and fight to serve at Fort Campbell.
The symposium’s theme, “Air Assault Mastery: Operations and Lessons Learned from Desert Storm,” centered on the division’s pioneering air assault capabilities and how these lessons continue to shape modern operations. Keynote speakers included retired Col. Frank Hancock, who commanded the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment during Desert Storm, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Nichols, the 1st BCT command sergeant major during the same period. Alongside them, 11 members of their Desert Storm team participated, sharing invaluable insights with the next generation of 101st leaders and soldiers.
A Legacy of Adaptability and Innovation
The 101st Airborne Division’s historic air assault during Desert Storm exemplifies its ability to adapt and innovate under pressure. “The 101st was not planning or prepared to deploy to the Middle East, but we made it happen through resilient and realistic training.” Hancock recounted. Within weeks of deployment orders, the division moved personnel and equipment to Saudi Arabia, where they staged and prepared for what would become one of the most significant air assault operations in military history.
1st Brigade faced daunting challenges. With minimal advance notice, they mobilized forces, dealt with logistical hurdles, and trained in unfamiliar desert terrain. The brigade’s ability to innovate under pressure was central to their success. “Young leaders figured out how to get equipment into combat efficiently and effectively. It’s all about assuming risk and making bold decisions, Said Hancock.
Desert Storm’s lessons for today
The symposium’s discussions revealed enduring principles from Desert Storm that continue to define the 101st Airborne Division’s air assault operations. Among the key lessons shared:
• Be Prepared to Deploy: The division’s ability to rapidly deploy stems from its rigorous training and readiness to “fight tonight and win.”
• Be Innovative: Leaders at all levels must find creative solutions to complex problems, often under extreme conditions.
• Be Clever and Lethal: Soldiers must combine ingenuity with decisive action to maintain the upper hand.
• Leverage Lift Assets: The 101st’s mastery of air mobility ensures its forces can strike where needed, no matter the obstacles.
• Expect the Unexpected: From chemical weapon threats to unanticipated enemy formations, adaptability remains critical.
• Listen to Soldiers: The collective experience and ingenuity of soldiers often solve problems that seem insurmountable.
These lessons were vividly illustrated by the challenges faced by the 1-, 327 INF RGT during Desert Storm. Just 48 hours before their historic air assault into Kuwait, intelligence revealed an entrenched enemy force at the planned landing zone (LZ). After intense deliberations, leaders adjusted the LZ, moving it several kilometers to avoid a direct confrontation. This decision, coupled with the use of stealthy, low-altitude flights, ensured mission success and minimal casualties.
Leadership: The Cornerstone of Success
A recurring theme of the symposium was the critical role of leadership in air assault operations. Panelists emphasized that confident, competent leaders inspire their soldiers and set the tone for mission success.
• Motivation Is Contagious: Leaders must inspire their teams, fostering trust and a shared sense of purpose.
• Teach and Mentor: Competent leaders invest in their subordinates, ensuring they are prepared for any challenge.
• Know Your Soldiers: Understanding what motivates individual soldiers builds stronger, more cohesive teams.
• Set the Example: Leadership by example is non-negotiable in the 101st, where high standards and discipline define the culture.
“These principles aren’t just historical anecdotes,” said CSM Nichols. “They’re the foundation of what it means to be a Screaming Eagle.”
Historical Relevance of the 101st in Desert Storm
The symposium also delved into the historical significance of the 101st’s role in Desert Storm. At the time, the division was uniquely equipped as an air assault division with the helicopters and resources to conduct the largest air assault operation in history. The 101st’s mobility and ability to strike deep into enemy territory were pivotal to coalition success, providing a blueprint for modern air assault doctrine.
From their staging in the Saudi desert to the execution of the air assault on February 12, 1991, the division’s preparation, innovation, and leadership were on full display. Despite the lack of preparatory fires at the LZ and the uncertainty of enemy resistance, the operation succeeded thanks to meticulous planning and seamless coordination across joint forces.
A Personal Connection to History
The event also highlighted the contributions of two now-prominent leaders who were part of the 1st Brigade during Desert Storm: Gen. Randy George, the current Chief of Staff of the Army, and his wife, Patty. At the time, GEN George served as a platoon leader, while Patty was a member of the brigade staff. Their presence underscored the enduring legacy of the 101st and the personal connections that continue to inspire service members today.
Looking Ahead: The 101st’s Commitment to Excellence
As the symposium concluded, Col. Trevor Voelkel, the current 1st Brigade commander, emphasized the division’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as the Army’s premier air assault force. “The lessons of Desert Storm are not just history; they’re a guide for how we fight tomorrow’s fight. Bastogne Leaders and Soldiers can take the lessons learned by our Veterans and apply them to training.”
For veterans of Desert Storm, the symposium was a powerful reminder of their enduring contributions to the division’s legacy. For current soldiers, it was an opportunity to learn from history and prepare for the challenges of the future.
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) continues to honor its storied past while forging ahead, ensuring that it remains ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s battles. The Screaming Eagles are, as always, ready to lead the way.
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