DESERT SHIELD
Start: August 2nd, 1990
End: Jan 17th, 1991
On 2 August 1990, the Iraqi military invaded the neighbouring State of Kuwait, and had fully occupied the country within two days.
The invasion of Kuwait was met with international condemnation, and economic sanctions against Iraq were immediately imposed by the
United Nations Security Council in response. American president George H. W. Bush deployed troops and equipment into Saudi Arabia,
and urged other countries to send their own forces to the scene.
DESERT STORM
Start: Jan 17th, 1991
End: Feb 28th, 1991
The initial conflict to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait began with an aerial and naval bombardment on 17 January 1991, which continued
for five weeks. During this period, Iraq launched Scud missiles at coalition targets stationed in Saudi Arabia. This was followed
by a ground assault by the coalition into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait on 24 February. The offensive was a decisive victory for coalition
forces, who liberated Kuwait and promptly began to advance past the Iraq/Kuwait border into Iraqi territory.
100 hours after the beginning of the ground campaign, the coalition ceased its advance and declared a ceasefire. Aerial and ground combat was
confined to Iraq, Kuwait, and areas straddling the Iraq/Saudi Arabia border.
UNIFORMS/GEAR OF DESERT STORM/IRAQI FREEDOM
Desert Storm was a very different war than those fought in
previous times. Advances in technology delivered pin-point accuracy
missiles and TV cameras to every aspect of the fight. Advances in military
uniforms were also introduced. The desert nature of the terrain
demanded the use of desert camouflage. Chemical threats and night
vision also required modifications to the clothing so as to better manage the
challenges posed by the enemy.
This page provides a comprehensive look at the uniforms from the period.
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