Impact Of Operation Desert Storm
BACKGROUND PAPER
ON
THE IMPACT OF OPERATION DESERT STORM ON AIRPOWER
The United States’ offensive attack on the Iraqi army in January of 1991, known as Operation Desert Storm, was one of the fastest military operations in modern history. This was largely due to the effectiveness of air superiority. Everything from the successful use of a coalition air force to the new precision munition technology, lead to a quick victory in the United States’ first major foreign crisis since the end of the Cold War. More importantly however, it changed how the United States viewed the capabilities of airpower.
One of the most notable characteristics of Operation Desert Storm was the use of a coalition air force. Prior to the war, analysts predicted that
…show more content…
Over the course of eight months, the US airlifted close to 472,000 people and 465,000 tons of cargo to the Persian Gulf, quickly surpassing the numbers of the Berlin Airlift in the 1940s. This sounds impressive, however it was not at all efficient. Though airlifts played an important role in the conflict, the tactic used were wasteful and resulted in a lot more cargo transported to the Middle East than necessary. Today, the US has learned from the wasteful mobility tactics of Operation Desert Storm. The US is now able to track individual items and consolidate loads. Additionally, cargo is now shipped on cargo ships across the ocean before it is flown to the Middle East, as opposed to flying it in from the …show more content…
Desert Storm was the first major conflict where space technology played a vital role in its success, and this set the stage for large usage of space technology in airpower for years to come. Not only were the new space technologies more efficient in helping with satellite communication and navigation, they were also invaluable when it came to being proactive against the Iraqi army.
The use of new technology in communication and navigation was crucial in the success of Desert Storm. Satellite communication was more reliable in Desert Storm than it had ever been before. This was important because airmen now had a faster and more reliable way of communicating to each other, which meant that important decisions could be made a lot more quickly. Additionally, satellites enabled the US to put supplies where they needed them when they needed them. Today, the US has improved on these technologies, resulting in ever faster communication as well as precise airdrops for
Battle Of Wanat Case Study
1542 Words | 7 PagesOn July 30, 2008, a bloody battle involving Coalition forces took place in the mountainous eastern Afghan province of Nuristan. This was the Battle of Wanat and the devastating amount of Coalition casualties began a vigorous investigation by the United States Army. The village of Wanat, defended by Second Platoon, Chosen Company, Second Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team would fall victim to numerous bad decision made by higher command. Although the men of Chosen Company fought hard, they ended up surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and without any Battalion assets. This paper will argue the reasons for the disastrous outcome of the Battle of Wanat; examining the effective company leadership exploiting effective
Uss Midway Characteristics
348 Words | 2 PagesThere were 6,000 refugees that got transported to the aircraft carrier and 3,000 refugees landed in USA.The Operation desert storm wind was helped by the Midway on how they roundup troops to get ready for the war ,they help save refugees the were in need to get them to safety. Operation frequent wind helped with getting the civilians .
Technological Developments During Ww1
995 Words | 4 PagesThe technological development of utilitarian technologies had a significant impact on the Western Front during WW1, introducing tactical warfare. The use of these technologies by mainly the Triple Entente, aided in the tactical advantage during WW1. The use of aerial Photography by the Triple Entente during The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in March 1915, had a drastic effect on the nature of tactical decisions and reconnaissance on the Western Front. Aerial Photography had a significant impact on the Western Front during WW1. The technology was important as it provided resources to increase planning of defensive and offensive operations, as well as verifying the accuracy and results of the bombardments.
General Petraeus Case Study
1353 Words | 6 PagesGeneral Petraeus and his Leadership Approach to Mosul A Leaders Restoration of a Nation Following the invasion of Coalition Forces into Iraq in March of 2003 the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, commanded by Major General David Petraeus, found itself in the Northern Iraqi city of Mosul (Lundberg, 2008). With the invasion complete and capturing of the capitol city of Baghdad accomplished, Major General Petraeus and staff began confronting the issues and concerns of what lay ahead for the duration of the unit’s deployment (Lundberg, 2008). The development and implementation of Major General David Petraeus’ strategy to bring stability to Mosul, Iraq and surrounding areas following the 2003 invasion provides insight into his leadership approach
Informative Speech: The United States Air Force
821 Words | 4 PagesAir Force was officially established in 1947. The United States Air Force has been given the primary responsibility of the defense and protection of American air space in the U.S. and beyond. The United States Air Force has participated in air power to defend the The U.S. and other nations in wars and battles, and has contributed to the protection and well-being of others during humanitarian efforts. Thesis Re-statement
The Tet Offensive In The Vietnam War
573 Words | 3 PagesThe Tet offensive, which took place on the 31st of January 1968, had huge significance on the political landscape of America, and public opinion on the war in Vietnam. After the Tet offensive, public support for the war plummeted, and with ever increasing support in the anti-war movement and protests, the war in Vietnam was no longer justifiable to the American public. As a result of this president Johnson stepped down from running for re-election, leaving an anti-war democrat running against an anti-war republican. This meant that Nixon was elected, which arguably ended the Vietnam War, due to his change in tactics.
Compare And Contrast The Us Invasion Of Egypt And Iraq
1494 Words | 6 Pagesforces were much more prepared to occupy Iraq when compared to French experiences in Egypt. When conducting a military invasion of a foreign country with a hot, desert climate, bringing necessary equipment is a must to ensure the vitality of infantry troops. However, early in the French invasion of Egypt it became clear that “Bonaparte had neglected to research the exigencies of fighting a war in such a place as the Nile Valley at such a time of the year, and appears not to have realized that water canteens were an absolute necessity. His troops had none”. Obviously, a late 18th century military force would enjoy far less equipment benefits than the United States in the 2000s, but failing to even bring adequate water supplies was a massive blunder.
Battle Of Bunker Hill Battle Analysis
1128 Words | 5 PagesBy definition, “mission command is the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of unified land operations,” according to ADRP 5-0. Mission command is about knowing when to change the task to fit the purpose. This paper is intended to analyze the mission command of one side of the battle, focusing on the commander’s role in the operations process. The Battle of Bunker Hill was the most important battle of the American Revolution because of Colonel Prescott’s superior command and control.
Technology's Role In The Vietnam War
1019 Words | 5 PagesNations who possessed better technology does have added advantages such as air power, firepower, precision and mobility over their adversaries. Equipped with far superior technologies in air power and fire power as opposed to the VC forces, the US managed to inflict heavy casualties on the communists during the Vietnam War. An example of the advantage of technology used during the Vietnam War was that the US made good use of its helicopters for launching large troop insertion into the theatre of operations that allowed them to reach faster to areas that are inaccessible by foot or vehicles2. In addition, the helicopters were integral in providing troops with good close air support with their heavy machine guns mounted on the
Operation Anaconda Essay
850 Words | 4 PagesJoint Planning for Operation Anaconda SFC Spurlock, Matthew MLC Class 005-18 Joint Planning for Operation Anaconda Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, there have been numerous battles. One of the most important battles that shaped future joint planning of operations was Operation Anaconda. The outcome of this operation was ultimately successful, however, the original intent from the commanders were not met due to errors in the joint planning process. Joint planning during Operation Anaconda proved ineffective because of inaccurate intelligence about the terrain and weather, the exemption of Air Force and Navy during the initial planning phase, and false assumptions about the enemy. Intelligence Intelligence Preparation
Vietnam War Air Defense Analysis
1497 Words | 6 PagesAir Defenders served an important role for the nation during the Vietnam War era. The Soldiers of the era showed great resourcefulness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances when faced with threats and challenges that were unforeseen at the outset of the conflict. By adapting existing technology to serve in roles and tasks beyond what they were originally designed to accomplish and by showing great
Radar: The Most Significant Military Technical Advancement Of The Second World
1018 Words | 5 PagesPilots used the radar to navigate across the air. “It was installed on aircrafts to navigate through the night fog. ”(Radar during). With the radar helping the pilots avoid hazards in the night fog it allowed for the pilots to stay safe in the air and relay information they gathered from up above to their soldiers back on the ground. The second reason why the radar was crucial for navigation purposes is, The radar can find anything and anyone even if it's in bad weather or camouflage.
Similarities And Differences Between Ww1 And World War 1
826 Words | 4 PagesCompare and contrast strategy (incl. technology/air power/naval power/land power) between WW1 and WW2. The use of air power as a strategy of war was highly contingent on the development of technology and became more and more significant to wars as technology developed. When compared to World War I, the second world war saw an improvement of technological capacities, leading to an enhanced production of aerial power along with the emergence of new tactics and strategies of war.
Dramatic Effects Of The Iraq War
294 Words | 2 PagesThe Iraq War The Iraq War started on March 20, 2003. George W. Bush being the president of the United States at the time and saddam hussien leading Iraq. The war started because the US accused Iraq president Saddam Hussein of building weapons of mass destruction such as nukes and biological weapons. On March 20th the US invaded Iraq.
Summary: The Patriot Missile System
1451 Words | 6 PagesThe Patriot missile system had a predetermined course of action after Operation Desert Storm. At the time, the Patriot missile system was one of the most sophisticated designs in the world. The Patriot missile system, paved the way for the future of the American Air Defense operations. To this day, the Patriot missile system is continuously being used by the United States and a plethora of allies to deter and defend against inbound aerial threats. Allied partners of the United States saw the efficiency of the Patriot missile system accomplishing its mission.
More about Impact Of Operation Desert Storm
Battle Of Wanat Case Study
1542 Words | 7 PagesUss Midway Characteristics
348 Words | 2 PagesTechnological Developments During Ww1
995 Words | 4 PagesGeneral Petraeus Case Study
1353 Words | 6 PagesInformative Speech: The United States Air Force
821 Words | 4 PagesThe Tet Offensive In The Vietnam War
573 Words | 3 PagesCompare And Contrast The Us Invasion Of Egypt And Iraq
1494 Words | 6 PagesBattle Of Bunker Hill Battle Analysis
1128 Words | 5 PagesTechnology's Role In The Vietnam War
1019 Words | 5 PagesOperation Anaconda Essay
850 Words | 4 PagesVietnam War Air Defense Analysis
1497 Words | 6 PagesRadar: The Most Significant Military Technical Advancement Of The Second World
1018 Words | 5 PagesSimilarities And Differences Between Ww1 And World War 1
826 Words | 4 PagesDramatic Effects Of The Iraq War
294 Words | 2 PagesSummary: The Patriot Missile System
1451 Words | 6 Pages