Thirty-five years have passed since Operation Desert Storm, a conflict that showcased America's ability to decisively win a war against a capable state adversary. Yet, the US military's approach to warfare has undergone a significant shift since then, with counterinsurgency and occupation-centric strategies becoming the norm. This departure from proven principles is concerning, as it may leave the US ill-prepared for future high-end conflicts.
The key to Desert Storm's success lay in its effects-based, systems approach to planning and execution. Rather than focusing on attrition or sequential destruction, US military planners asked fundamental questions about what effects needed to be achieved to accomplish strategic objectives. This approach allowed them to paralyze, disrupt, dislocate, and ultimately collapse the enemy system as a whole.
A critical component of this approach was airpower, which played a central role in the campaign. The F-117 stealth fighter attacked more targets than the entire non-stealth air and missile force of six aircraft carrier battle groups during the conflict. Precision-guided munitions and stealth technology enabled small numbers of aircraft to achieve effects previously requiring massed formations and enormous volumes of ordnance.
In contrast, modern US military operations often employ counterinsurgency strategies that prioritize population security and nation-building over achieving strategic objectives. This approach has proven ineffective in Iraq and Afghanistan, diverting resources away from preparing for high-end conflict.
The decline of the US military's capabilities is alarming, with some aircraft types dating back over 50 years. The Air Force is now smaller and older than at any time since its founding, yet it remains in high demand by combatant commands. It is imperative that the US recovers its air force to succeed in future fights.
Meanwhile, China has internalized the lessons of Desert Storm, building a military designed to counter the advantages revealed during the conflict. The challenge the US now faces is the result of its military ignoring these lessons while distracted by un-winnable wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In conclusion, the 35th anniversary of Desert Storm serves as a wake-up call for the US military. Future major regional conflicts will be fast, intense, and multi-domain contests against capable adversaries. Success will hinge on the intelligent application of military power through an effects-based, systems approach. It is imperative that the US learns from its past successes to avoid being caught off guard by future threats.
The US must relearn how to win wars, focusing on strategic objectives rather than activity. This requires leaders who understand how to exploit the unique advantages of each domain and planners who focus on outcomes rather than inputs. Institutions must also be willing to internalize lessons from both success and failure.
Desert Storm remains a clear example of how to achieve military success through a well-planned, effects-based approach. Its lessons are not obsolete; they are urgent. The US cannot afford to ignore them, as the consequences of inaction will be severe.
The key to Desert Storm's success lay in its effects-based, systems approach to planning and execution. Rather than focusing on attrition or sequential destruction, US military planners asked fundamental questions about what effects needed to be achieved to accomplish strategic objectives. This approach allowed them to paralyze, disrupt, dislocate, and ultimately collapse the enemy system as a whole.
A critical component of this approach was airpower, which played a central role in the campaign. The F-117 stealth fighter attacked more targets than the entire non-stealth air and missile force of six aircraft carrier battle groups during the conflict. Precision-guided munitions and stealth technology enabled small numbers of aircraft to achieve effects previously requiring massed formations and enormous volumes of ordnance.
In contrast, modern US military operations often employ counterinsurgency strategies that prioritize population security and nation-building over achieving strategic objectives. This approach has proven ineffective in Iraq and Afghanistan, diverting resources away from preparing for high-end conflict.
The decline of the US military's capabilities is alarming, with some aircraft types dating back over 50 years. The Air Force is now smaller and older than at any time since its founding, yet it remains in high demand by combatant commands. It is imperative that the US recovers its air force to succeed in future fights.
Meanwhile, China has internalized the lessons of Desert Storm, building a military designed to counter the advantages revealed during the conflict. The challenge the US now faces is the result of its military ignoring these lessons while distracted by un-winnable wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In conclusion, the 35th anniversary of Desert Storm serves as a wake-up call for the US military. Future major regional conflicts will be fast, intense, and multi-domain contests against capable adversaries. Success will hinge on the intelligent application of military power through an effects-based, systems approach. It is imperative that the US learns from its past successes to avoid being caught off guard by future threats.
The US must relearn how to win wars, focusing on strategic objectives rather than activity. This requires leaders who understand how to exploit the unique advantages of each domain and planners who focus on outcomes rather than inputs. Institutions must also be willing to internalize lessons from both success and failure.
Desert Storm remains a clear example of how to achieve military success through a well-planned, effects-based approach. Its lessons are not obsolete; they are urgent. The US cannot afford to ignore them, as the consequences of inaction will be severe.
35 yrs gone since Desert Storm and our military's approach has totally changed 
now it's all about counterinsurgency & occupation which is a total departure from what worked back then 
airpower was key to success with stealth fighters & precision-guided munitions 
nowadays we're focusing on population security & nation-building over actual objectives 
meanwhile China has taken lessons from Desert Storm and built their own military to counter our strengths 
like we did 35 yrs ago 
where they focus on outcomes rather than inputs 
leaders & planners need to understand how to exploit domain advantages & not get distracted by un-winnable wars in Iraq & Afghanistan 
I'm getting super anxious about our country's military capabilities right now. Like 35 years is a long time ago and we've seen how their approach changed since Desert Storm was all over the news... 
it's like they're not even preparing for the next big fight anymore. Those old planes? Not good 
, and I don't think our military leaders are doing enough to bring them up to date. Meanwhile, China is just sitting back and building a stronger military because we're not taking lessons from the past seriously enough 
. It's like we're playing catch-up and it's really concerning.
. With all these years passing since Desert Storm and the way things have changed, I think it's super concerning that we're still not using the same approach that worked back then. It seems like we've forgotten how to win wars and just keep focusing on keeping people safe and trying to build relationships with other countries 
.
. I mean, I get that it's not about the number of planes, but still... Our military needs to be more effective if we want to stay safe and protect our interests abroad 
.
. It's time for us to get back on track and start thinking about winning wars again 
. The effects-based approach worked then, so why can't they make it work again? It's not like anyone wants to be caught off guard by future threats... or is there someone who does want that?