In large-scale combat operations (LSCO), critical decisions during armed conflict that defeat the adversary to achieve strategic and operational objectives often determine the victor. History proves that the chaotic nature of the battlefield contains many variables that shape the operational environment (OE), which requires leadership to make the right decision on time to accomplish the objectives. The United States Army implements mission command to enable subordinates on the battlefield to make the critical decisions necessary to seize the initiative that can gain an advantage over an adversary. The Battle of 73 Easting during Operation Desert Storm displays the practical application of mission command in an LSCO environment that led to a decisive victory over Iraqi forces and the liberation of Kuwait. The success at the Battle of 73 Easting was due to effective mission command, which will provide a historical case study to analyze mission command, battlefield command and control (C2
In large-scale combat operations (LSCO), critical decisions during armed conflict that defeat the adversary to achieve strategic and operational objectives often determine the victor. History proves that the chaotic nature of the battlefield contains many variables that shape the operational environment (OE), which requires leadership to make the right decision on time to accomplish the objectives. The United States Army implements mission command to enable subordinates on the battlefield to make the critical decisions necessary to seize the initiative that can gain an advantage over an adversary. The Battle of 73 Easting during Operation Desert Storm displays the practical application of mission command in an LSCO environment that led to a decisive victory over Iraqi forces and the liberation of Kuwait. The success at the Battle of 73 Easting was due to effective mission command, which will provide a historical case study to analyze mission command, battlefield command and control (C2
My Desert Storm Print this article
Last month marked the 30-year anniversary of what is often described as the last great tank battle of the 20th century. For those of us who fought in the Battle of 73 Easting, our experience confirmed timeless lessons that apply to combat as well as building confident, high-performing teams capable of taking the initiative and winning.
In February 1991, I had the privilege of commanding the soldiers of Eagle Troop, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. They won a lopsided victory in a larger battle and a war that were also lopsided victories. The assault against a much larger defending force helped kick the door open to Kuwait and make good on President George H.W. Bush’s pledge that Iraq’s aggression “will not stand.” I was proud to command a team of courageous troopers dedicated to that mission and to one another.