Without Clear Objectives: Operation Earnest Will.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA325197 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper conducts a critical analysis of U.S. political and military objectives in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, focused on Operation Earnest Will. The background of the Iran-Iraq War is reviewed with particular emphasis on those actions leading up the re-registration of eleven Kuwaiti oil tankers under the American flag. U.S. strategic and operational objectives in this operation are outlined and evaluated. The impact of unfocused political objectives, and the resultantly vague guidance provided to operational commanders is examined.

Author(s):
Selby, Michael W.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI JOINT MILITARY OPERATIONS DEPT
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.,
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA325197
Pagination:
0021

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions
Communities of Interest:
Ground and Sea Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*IRAQ, *PERSIAN GULF, *IRAN, MILITARY OPERATIONS, WARFARE, KUWAIT, MILITARY STRATEGY, UNITED STATES, INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, MIDDLE EAST, JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES, OILS, HORMUZ STRAIT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Government and Political Science, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*OPERATION EARNEST WILL, PRAYING MANTIS, JOINTTASK FORCE MIDDLE EAST, IRAN IRAQ WAR, REFLAGGING
Report Date:
1997 Feb 07
Creation Date:
1997 Jun 11