Desert Storm Assessing the Use of Ground Forces

Introduction

The Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Storm, was a military conflict that took place between Iraq and a coalition of 35 countries led by the United States in 1991. The war lasted for 42 days and resulted in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. It was a crucial conflict in the history of modern warfare as it marked the first time the United States deployed a significant number of ground forces since the Vietnam War. This article aims to assess the use of ground forces in the Gulf War and analyze why they were successful.

The Role of Ground Forces in Desert Storm

Ground forces played a crucial role in the success of the Gulf War. The coalition deployed 540,000 troops, including 245,000 Americans, to the region. These troops were organized into six divisions, two corps, and one armored cavalry regiment. The ground forces were responsible for liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation, pushing the Iraqi forces back to Iraq, and securing the oil fields in Kuwait and southern Iraq.

The ground forces used a combination of tactics, including air support, artillery, and infantry assaults, to achieve their objectives. The coalition employed advanced technologies such as night vision goggles, GPS, and precision-guided munitions to gain an edge over the Iraqi forces. The ground forces also relied on intelligence gathered by aerial surveillance and electronic eavesdropping to plan their operations effectively.

Success Factors for Ground Forces in Desert Storm

Several factors contributed to the success of ground forces in the Gulf War. Firstly, the coalition had a clear and achievable objective, which was to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation. This objective was supported by a strong political will and a broad international coalition that provided the necessary resources and logistics to support the ground forces.

Secondly, the ground forces had superior training, equipment, and technology compared to the Iraqi forces. The coalition had a vast advantage in terms of air power, which allowed them to strike deep into Iraqi territory and disrupt their command and control centers. The coalitions precision-guided munitions enabled them to destroy Iraqi tanks and artillery accurately.

Thirdly, the coalitions ground forces had a well-coordinated command structure that allowed for effective communication and coordination between different units. The coalitions ground forces were able to operate as a cohesive force, with each unit carrying out its assigned tasks efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of ground forces was critical to the success of the Gulf War. The coalitions ground forces played a crucial role in liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation and pushing the Iraqi forces back to Iraq. The success of ground forces in the Gulf War can be attributed to several factors, including a clear and achievable objective, superior training, equipment, and technology, and a well-coordinated command structure. The lessons learned from the Gulf War have been instrumental in shaping modern warfare, and it is essential to continue to assess and improve the use of ground forces in future conflicts.