LEC 30

Post-Vietnam U.S

After the Vietnam War, the U.S. military faced low morale, public trust issues, and internal disarray, necessitating comprehensive reforms.

AirLand Battle Doctrine

Emerged in response to the need for coordinated air and ground forces, focusing on disrupting enemy capabilities through deep strikes, precision targeting, and agile maneuvering.

Soviet Union's Economic Struggles

Economic stagnation, inefficiencies, and declining living conditions in Eastern Europe led to a loss of public support for communist regimes, contributing to the collapse of the Warsaw Pact.

Gorbachev's Reforms and USSR Disintegration

Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms like glasnost and perestroika were insufficient to address economic and political issues, leading to the disintegration of the USSR into independent republics in 1991.

Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, driven by economic and territorial ambitions, led to the First Gulf War in 1991.

First Gulf War Operations

Operations Desert Shield focused on defense buildup, while Desert Storm involved a swift ground offensive demonstrating U.S. military superiority and leading to Kuwait's liberation.

U.S

Reforms post-Vietnam positioned the U.S. military for success in the Gulf War, establishing it as a dominant force in the post-Cold War era.