Iraqi Military Effectiveness in the War with Iran
Abstract
The effectiveness of Iraqi military activity is evaluated based on a previously published analytic framework. Political effectiveness is judged as high, for the armed forces enjoyed virtually unlimited access to financial, material and manpower resources. Iraqi strategic effectiveness was initially poor, but re-assessment led to more viable strategies over the long term. Army operational performance improved substantially over the course of the war, but Air Force campaigns were generally ineffective in achieving operational goals. Increased emphasis on professional competence accounted for much of the operational effectiveness of the Army in the later years of the war. Tactical effectiveness throughout the armed forces was marked by steady, gradual improvement especially in the Army. In the Army's final campaign, conducted in the spring of 1988, its leaders and soldiers displayed great operational and tactical skill.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA236581
Entities
People
- W. J. Dees
Organizations
- Naval War College