Doctrine or Not? 18 Airborne Corps Movement During Operation Desert Storm
Abstract
On 17 January 1991, Operation Desert Storm began with an air campaign unequaled in modern warfare. At the same time the ground forces of the coalition began to reposition themselves far to the west of their previous positions. This movement was definitely the largest to be conducted since World War II and quite possibly the largest ever conducted by the United States Army. It was the prelude to General Schwarzkopf's 'Hail Mary' operation to fix and defeat the Iraqi army in Kuwait. XVIII Airborne Corps successfully participated in that movement but that success was not without problems . Throughout the planning stage the corps adhered to doctrine. Yet as the move began doctrine became irrelevant. Command and control dissolved as units rushed to get to their attack positions. Success was achieved due to the absence of any hostile threats and the keep them rolling attitude of the commanders on the ground.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251585
Entities
People
- Michael K. Shanahan
Organizations
- United States Army War College