And finally, the probability of success in future conflicts will rise if our armed services actually study and learn from both successes and failures, and apply course corrections as a result of those lessons.ĭesert Storm established the character of modern warfare. Fifth, preparation and foresight are crucial to future military success.

Encouraging innovation was essential in Desert Storm. Third, joint operations are best accomplished by using the right forces, in the right places, at the right times - “jointness” is not homogeneity and it is not synonymous with inter-service cooperation for its own sake. Next, the effects-based, systems approach applied in the design and execution of the air campaign (i.e., actions taken against enemy systems designed to achieve specific outcomes that contribute directly to desired military and political objectives) worked extraordinarily well, and remains relevant to the conflicts of today and tomorrow. First, the United States accomplished its strategic objectives by aligning ends, ways, and means such that it projected force without projecting undue liability for U.S. There are six key “takeaways” from Desert Storm. The conflict is instructive for military strategists and offers lessons for those planning contemporary military operations. Bush’s declared objectives in a manageable time frame and with a minimum of friendly losses. and allied airpower was the coalition’s key asymmetric advantage in accomplishing President George H.W. For the first time in history, airpower was used as the key force in the strategy and execution of a war. The role of airpower was particularly decisive. While it may seem like a long time ago - especially in the aftermath of the Iraq War of the 2000s - Desert Storm is worthy of study, as it was the last major regional conflict in which the U.S. In six weeks of fighting, the U.S.-led coalition defeated Iraq, which had initiated the conflict by invading Kuwait the previous August. Desert Storm was a sustained 43-day air campaign including four days of ground operations by the United States and its allies against Iraq between Jan.

28 marked the 30th anniversary of the end of offensive operations in Operation Desert Storm.

Greatest tank battles desert storm