After the Persian Gulf War: A Multinational Gulf Security Force
Abstract
The crisis in the Persian Gulf poses a serious threat to world order. Predictions of Iraqi actions were inaccurate and the unprecedented world response was surprising. A vision of peace, security, and stability in the future is equally perplexing. A complete U.S. military strategy including both peacekeeping and collective defense would shape this vision or strategy. Peacekeeping is essential but only part of the strategy; it is an interim solution. Peacekeeping was not intended to function as a regional collective defense. This paper focuses on collective defense. Collective defense is needed to enhance Gulf Cooperation Council security and protect U.S. interests. Collective defense can be achieved through several military options most of which were used prior to the Gulf War. The continuing post-war threats and volatile environment dictate a military option with the highest assurance of success and immediate, tangible results. A forward-deployed force is the only option that meets the criteria. This force called the Multinational Gulf Security Force (MGSF) replaces the current GCC military structure. The MGSF consists of air, ground and naval components from Arab, GCC and Western nations including U.S. participation. The most important element, the ground force, has multinational corps with uninational divisions. It is a sophisticated, lethal force that provides what the GCC cannot -- a credible self-defense. The MGSF is the key to a successful collective defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA233877
Entities
People
- Mathias Knorr
Organizations
- United States Army War College