The Gulf region serves as one of the most crucial geographic areas in global security. Six Gulf States established the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aimed at political and economic integration and cooperation. However, the mandate has extended to security issues due to increasing instability in the region. This study analyzes the member countries of the GCC and the strategic roles that they fill on security issues. Further, the study analyzes the Peninsula Shield Force (PSF). The GCC formed the PSF for joint military and defense coordination. The study offers recommendations for the progress of the PSF in terms of organizational structure and command configuration for increased defense of the GCC members.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)