IRAQI WAR
Start: 2003
End: 2011
The Iraq War was a protracted armed conflict in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 that began with the invasion of Iraq by the United
States led coalition which overthrew the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued for much of the next
decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the coalition forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government. US troops were
officially withdrawn in 2011. The United States became re-involved in 2014 at the head of a new coalition, and the insurgency
and many dimensions of the armed conflict continue today. The invasion occurred as part of the George W. Bush administration's
War on Terror following the September 11 attacks.
AFGHANISTAN WAR
Start: 2001
End: 2021
The War in Afghanistan was a conflict that took place from 2001 to 2021 in the South-Central Asian country of Afghanistan.
It began when the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan. The war ended with the Taliban regaining power after a nearly 20-year-long insurgency against allied NATO and
Afghan Armed Forces. It was the longest war in United States history, surpassing the Vietnam War (1955 - 1975) by approximately
five months.
UNIFORMS/GEAR OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS
Both, Iraq and Afghanistan have arrid terrain. This require changes to the clothing
and gear employed. These conflicts witnessed the widespread use of the MOLLE system,
replacing the ALICE system. In addition, a wide range of different types of desert
camouflaged uniforms were introduced. 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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