Thesis: America's application of lessons learned about desert warfare during WWII, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom enhanced America's effectiveness during the advance to Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout history, armies who participated in desert warfare experienced challenges that had not been realized in wars that were previously fought in industrialized nations. Some of the challenges that affected the capabilities of the forces in the desert environment were the climate, terrain, and the lack of infrastructure. By studying the effects of the desert environment, or the lack thereof, armies discovered and developed methods and equipment that increased their effectiveness during desert warfare. The United States (US) Army applied lessons learned about desert warfare during WWII, Operation Desert Storm (ODS), and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which enhanced its effectiveness during the advance to Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.