Michael Duckworth English 10a 3 May 2010

The Persian Gulf War

The Greek philosopher, Plato, once said: “For it is only the dead who have seen the end

of war.” War is unavoidable. But it’s the reasons for war, and the decision whether or not to

enter a conflict, that people love to debate. A widely criticized topic is the United States’ entry

into the Persian Gulf War. “The war introduced several technologically advanced weapon

systems. As well, the United States forged a broad-based international coalition that confronted

Iraq militarily and diplomatically” (Murphy). Although the United States’ decision to enter the

Persian Gulf War is a controversial topic, it is clear that the military efforts were worth the cost,

largely due to the militaristic technology and political ground gained through the invasion.

Stealth Airstrikes were somewhat underdeveloped prior to the Gulf War, but it provided a

golden opportunity to set them into play. “While Allied planes bombed Baghdad, U.S. Apache

attack helicopters prowled the deserts of Kuwait” (Nardo 62). Nardo goes on to explain how the

AH-64 Apache Helicopter is one of the U.S. Army’s main high-tech anti tank weapons. The

Apache is to provide close air support for the ground troops. When Operation: Desert Storm was

initiated, the AH-64’s were on the front lines suppressing enemy fire. “The Apache is equipped

with some of the most advanced computer and laser systems available, among them an infrared

night-vision system allowing the pilot to fly safely at night at low altitudes. The helicopter also

has a radar-warning device that tells the pilot when enemy radar has locked on to it. This allows

the craft to use evasive maneuvers immediately and escape attack by bullets and missiles”

(Nardo 52).

“Laser guided the Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The Apaches' 30-mm gun was also
laser-directed. The laser accounted for the speed of the aircraft, the wind,
and the aircraft's movement for seven seconds prior to firing. Attached to
Michael Duckworth English 10a 3 May 2010

the pilot's helmet was a two-inch-square semi-transparent monocle that

extended about an inch or two in front of the pilot's right eye. Projected onto
the monocle was the targeting information that came from the Apache's infrared
targeting systems. There was also a cross hair-type targeting device. All of the
Apache's weapons systems were linked electronically to the monocle. All a
weapons officer had to do was look at a target, lay the cross hairs on it, and
fire his weapon of choice”
(“Weapons”).
The AH-64 was brought into production just six years prior to the Gulf War and was only

used in one Conflict. Desert Storm was the proving ground for the AH-64 Apache, and it proved

itself to be worth its weight in gold. Without technology like the Apache attack helicopter, there

would have been a much greater number of casualties during the first phase of the Persian Gulf

War.

A major component of a successful military effort is the lack of casualties. The total

death count of U.S. Forces members didn’t even peak 2,000. In the terms of the scale of attack

compared to the amount of casualties, the Gulf war was a success. Also, there were only 147

hostile American military deaths (Fischer). Although the Iraqi death toll was high in comparison

to the U.S. Forces casualties, war doesn’t come without a price. The cost of lives is never

anything to be sought after or even something to be proud of, but it is necessary for a victorious

outcome.

The ground war in the Persian Gulf only lasted 100 hours exactly. This outflanking

maneuver was headed up by General Norman Schwarzkopf, Commander-in-Chief, Central

Command (CENTCOM). “A military operation involves deception. Even though you are

competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective. Without

deception you cannot carry out strategy, without strategy you cannot control the opponent” (Tzu

11). “Schwarzkopf engaged in a deceptive maneuver by deploying a large number of forces as if

Michael Duckworth English 10a 3 May 2010

to launch a large amphibious landing. The Iraqis apparently anticipated that they also would be

attacked frontally. Therefore, they had heavily fortified those defensive positions. Schwarzkopf

instead moved the bulk of his forces west and north in a major use of helicopters, attacking the

Iraqis from their rear” (Murphy). Intensive planning was the key to the Allies’ victory in the

ground war, and such planning would not be possible without the reconnaissance new

technology has helped us gather.

The United States had to make a decision whether or not to enter the war, but its

choice to do so was paid off by the huge military gain. With new air, land, and stealth

technology, the U.S. remains the dominant figure on the battle field. Casualties are never a

positive element of war, but if the technology gained from it is valuable enough, tenfold the

number of lives could be saved by knowledge, machinery, and experience gained from previous

wars.