Thesis Statement: Weather and Terrain contributed to the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan whereas the United States has limited the effects and gained moderate success in combat operations in Afghanistan. ABSTRACT:Weather and Terrain have impacted the history of combat in Afghanistan. As far back as the "Great game" between the Russians and the English, the terrain of Afghanistan has had a significant impact on the outcome of all military operations. The Russians were defeated in Afghanistan in the 1970's and 1980's largely because of the brutal terrain and weather. The United States been able to overcome these same factors due our technological advances and from the lessons learned from the Russian invasion.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.