Pollution Warfare--A New Challenge for the Commander.

Abstract

During the Persian Gulf War, the United States encountered pollution warfare for the first time. It entailed the intentional release of millions of gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf and the ignition of over five hundred oil wells in Kuwait. This paper examines the effects of pollution warfare on operations during Desert Storm. It also looks at potential forms of pollution warfare that were not used during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The cost of environmental restoration and its impact on both the strategic and operational level of war are addressed. Finally, recommendations are proposed to limit the effects of pollution warfare.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 12, 1995
Accession Number
ADA293266

Entities

People

  • Wayne J. Williamson

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amphibious Operations
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Environmental Restoration And Remediation
  • Health
  • Industrial Plants
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • Persian Gulf
  • Persian Gulf War
  • Petroleum
  • Security
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Petroleum Engineering