Summing up on our livestream: the 82nd was given an extremely difficult mission that required land not well-suited for airborne forces. Gavin understood the 508 had the largest & toughest area. His instructions to Roy LIndquist, the 508 CDR were clear: seize the bridge.
By 4PM on D Day, the 82nd commanders were overwhelmed with the physical immensity & lack of defensible terrain (combined with limited assets).
The fact is the 508th was grossly over-stretched just on the outposts. On Sep 17, Gavin was all over the AO and could have easily directed Lindquist to seize the bridge but chose not to do so. Gavin was most concerned about just hanging on & holding the perimeter.
One final point: the area surrounding the Njimegen bridgehead was strongly defended immediately by mixed German armor & infantry. That was a surprise to the 82nd Lindquist's 3 BN's were scattered in company packets & he had to piecemeal forces to accomplish his primary tasks.
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We can confirm that 120 Soldiers have left the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, and we are working hard to move ALL Soldiers out of those barracks by the end of September. 1/4
In addition to the relocation efforts, 70 certificates of non-availability (CNAs) have been approved allowing recipients to find privatizing housing on or off the installation. Additionally, hundreds more have been pre-approved and being staffed for final approval. 2/4
Commands affected by these moves on Smoke Bomb Hill include units under the 1st Special Forces Command - Airborne and XVIII Airborne Corps units including the 20th Engineer Brigade and 35th Signal Brigade among other units/organizations across the installation. 3/4
Our Soldiers are speaking to us about the conditions at the Smoke Bomb Hill Barracks. It’s authentic and real feedback we need. We are listening and taking action!
Communication flow is every changing, and we are working to improve it. Our Soldiers deserve it. 🧵
We want all of our Soldiers to know we are working hard to make their quality of life better!
We have leaders across Fort Bragg already working to make their lives better, and we have resources committed to make this happen.
Moving 1,110 Soldiers won’t be quick, it will take time, but it will be done right. Our goal is to have everyone out of the SBH barracks by the end of September.