Theater of Operations Construction in the Desert: A Handbook of Lessons Learned in the Middle East

Abstract

The purpose of this interim report is to consolidate available lessons learned on material, equipment, planning and design, and construction for use by planners and builders for theaters of operations (TOs) in the desert regions of Southwest Asia. This executive summary presents the most significant findings and recommendations of the study. Assumptions 1. The areas of concern are the desert regions of Southwest Asia. 2. The facilities will be used for up to 12 months. 3. Strategic air and sea lines of communication (LOC) terminus points will be constrained to current existing facilities. 4. Some areas in the TO will be subject to hostile fire, and others will not. 5. The standard of construction will be austere. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Publication 3, initial standard (0 to 6 months) will govern. 6. The deploying forces will arrive in the TO per Time Phased Force Deployment Data with TOE equipment. Base Design The facilities provided in a TO have a vital impact on military operations. For a base to withstand a harsh environment and to keep occupants reasonably comfortable, the location of a facility or installation within a site should be determined by analyzing the constraints and features of the area. This analysis should include the climatic constraints of solar radiation, temperature, precipitation, and prevailing winds, as well as the natural features of the ground surface, such as topography, ground cover, and drainage patterns. Site Selection The most critical issue in site selection is the availability of a reliable water supply. Chapter 5 of this report details issues related to water supply and distribution in Southwest Asia. Although desert regions receive little rainfall, when there are rainstorms, they are often intense and of short duration, with associated flash flooding. Bases and facilities should not be sited in natural drainage channels subject to flash flooding. .4~~~ FRkLCi"J.G n '4I?1amS '4 .-'