The Persian Gulf War: Military Doctrine and Strategy.
Abstract
This paper documents analysis of the effects of military doctrine and strategy in the Persian Gulf War. In particular, it focuses on United States Air Force (USAF) airpower doctrine and its contribution to the success of the Gulf Conflict. The study first examines the situation which led to Iraq's aggression in the Persian Gulf, and the U.S. and Coalition response. It considers the political objectives and strategies, military leadership and strengths, and other strategic factors which influenced the military strategies implemented by the opposing forces during the Gulf Conflict. It then focuses on an assessment of the successes and failures of the opposing forces, using the Principles of War as an analytical framework. The examination then explores the outcome of the Gulf Conflict and, based on the Iraqi and the U.S. performance and experiences of that war, draws lessons about forces, weapons, combat doctrine, and especially about the role of airpower. Analysis of all these factors supports the position that United States Air Force (USAF) Aerospace Doctrine played the dominant role in the warfighting strategy employed in the Persian Gulf War. A highly skilled, professional military force executed the well-planned air campaign with precision. Application of Army AirLand Battle Doctrine in the final phase of the conflict assured victory for the Coalition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314740
Entities
People
- Marsha J. Loges
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy