Joint Task Force Proven Force: An Outstanding Success
Abstract
Joint Task Force Proven Force, which primarily consisted of 5,000 sorties flown by U.S. aircraft from Turkey against strategic targets in northern Iraq, was an integral part of air operations in the Persian Gulf War. There has been little analysis of this JTF's value to the Gulf War, and a close review is warranted from a historical and operational art perspective. I analyzed JTF proven Force's impact on the war's campaign and termination. My research showed that JTF Proven Force had a broad impact far beyond the military targets it destroyed for the following reasons: (1) it forced Saddam to consider the threat of offensive military action from his northern border, resulting in the positioning of about one-fourth of his army in northern Iraq away from the Kuwait Theater of Operations; (2) it prevented Saddam from having a safe haven in northern Iraq, allowing for a more effective air offensive throughout the theater; (3) it strengthened post-war Persian Gulf security by increasing Turkey's geopolitical influence and contributing to the world's rapid response to the post-war Kurdish revolt. In concluding, I discussed a few key points about JTF Proven Force's threat, execution and political impact that commanders should remember when planning future operations. Joint Task Force Proven Force, Turkey, Desert Storm, Air Operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA286408
Entities
People
- Richard M. Meinhart
Organizations
- Naval War College