The Gulf War: Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 1990–1991

This illustrated series presents the uniforms and equipment of the United States Army from the nineteenth century to the present day. Each volume combines detailed and informative captions with over 100 rare and unusual images. These books are a must for anyone interested in American military uniforms and the history of the United States Army.

Two decades ago, the United States armed forces launched its largest offensive operation since the D-Day landings in World War II. The nature of the war was vastly changed; here was a purely desert environment, with sweltering heat during the day and bitter cold at night, making new demands on the men and their equipment.

Indeed, the need for speed during the build-up in Saudi Arabia created shortages of many desert-specific items, resulting in the deployment of troops variously clad and equipped. Many weapons and items of equipment were seeing combat for the first time together with new and sophisticated electronics gear.

In this book, G.I.s from all the branches of the U.S. armed forces are illustrated together with the many specialist units that have grown in importance over the last few decades.