U S Army War College

An Operational Analysis of the Persian Gulf War U S Army War College

Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM were superb examples of the application of military power in support of national policy. Vital U. S. and international interests were protected, and the goals of the international coalition were achieved. This book examines operations executed in the Persian Gulf War from two unique perspectives. First, the author participated in the majority of events described. Second, the author considers not only the U. S. viewpoint but also describes how some of Saddam Hussein's actions were analyzed as they pertained to various situations. The purpose of this book is to provide a better understanding of the unique application of operational art in what some have termed the last campaign of the cold war. The author concludes that one of the major lessons learned from Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM was that wholesale changes in the doctrine, education, and training that contributed significantly to the operational success are not required.