What were American citizens' overall opinion of the war?
During the time of the conflict, there was heavy debate over the agreement of the war. Americans that were polled believed that it was worth going to war by a two to one ratio (63% to 31%), and 42%-52% would favor a reemergence of the war. However, at the time, the belief was not that popular. During that period, Americans were divided over the invasion of Kuwait. Polls taken in August and November in 1990 showed that 47% believed it was worth going to the war while 43% believed it was not. In itself, it was an improvement because 51% opposed prior to this. Later, when it was reminded that allies were involved, approval for the war increased to 62%. “More than 4 months after President George Bush’s initial decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia, the American public is deeply split over the implications and future of U.S. involvement in the Persian Gulf.” Even though the war is more accepted and thought to be worthwhile now, public opinions were more conflicted during 1990.
During the time of the conflict, there was heavy debate over the agreement of the war. Americans that were polled believed that it was worth going to war by a two to one ratio (63% to 31%), and 42%-52% would favor a reemergence of the war. However, at the time, the belief was not that popular. During that period, Americans were divided over the invasion of Kuwait. Polls taken in August and November in 1990 showed that 47% believed it was worth going to the war while 43% believed it was not. In itself, it was an improvement because 51% opposed prior to this. Later, when it was reminded that allies were involved, approval for the war increased to 62%. “More than 4 months after President George Bush’s initial decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia, the American public is deeply split over the implications and future of U.S. involvement in the Persian Gulf.” Even though the war is more accepted and thought to be worthwhile now, public opinions were more conflicted during 1990.
What were the roles of women during Desert Storm?
During Desert Storm, women were denied the ability to take part in combat roles and mostly worked behind the scenes. Women made up a mere 6.8% of the United States forces. Women were administrators, air traffic controllers, logisticians, engineer equipment mechanics, ammunition technicians or damage specialists, and guards. Some brought prisoners of war back to holding facilities. Many worked as nurses and aided wounded soldiers. The roles of women in relation to directly aiding the Desert Storm conflict was limited.
During Desert Storm, women were denied the ability to take part in combat roles and mostly worked behind the scenes. Women made up a mere 6.8% of the United States forces. Women were administrators, air traffic controllers, logisticians, engineer equipment mechanics, ammunition technicians or damage specialists, and guards. Some brought prisoners of war back to holding facilities. Many worked as nurses and aided wounded soldiers. The roles of women in relation to directly aiding the Desert Storm conflict was limited.
What were the different ways one could serve in the military?
When a person joins the military it is usually assumed that they volunteered for one or a series of tours. This requires soldiers to leave their family, friends, careers, and lives behind. While this is a common practice, it is not the only way. There is a program in the military know as "Weekend Warriors". This requires military members to serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year. The idea is to also allow someone the ability to continue their career, schooling, or any other obligations. Each of the different branches require their own specifications and requirements, but the program overall is helpful to people joining for the first time as well as returning veterans. Those who hold this position in the military are referred to as reservists. This idea of the reservist is to refrain from active duty, yet they are still out in enough time allowing them to acquire benefits. However, as of 2003, around 60,000 members of the nations reservists were in active duty. Typically reservists can stick with their required time. That said, during intense war time, the reserve acts as a backup pool of active duty members. Because of this, weekend warriors can often become full-on soldiers. Fortunately reservists do not have to abandon their lives completely when called to duty. An article by the New York Times states, "...reservists called to active duty are legally guaranteed their civilian jobs, with the same status and salary, for up to five years". The military reservist program is a complicated one, filled with endless possibilities and outcomes, but whether a reservist is called to active duty or fulfills only their original requirements, the program remains one that allows civilians to be soldiers.
When a person joins the military it is usually assumed that they volunteered for one or a series of tours. This requires soldiers to leave their family, friends, careers, and lives behind. While this is a common practice, it is not the only way. There is a program in the military know as "Weekend Warriors". This requires military members to serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year. The idea is to also allow someone the ability to continue their career, schooling, or any other obligations. Each of the different branches require their own specifications and requirements, but the program overall is helpful to people joining for the first time as well as returning veterans. Those who hold this position in the military are referred to as reservists. This idea of the reservist is to refrain from active duty, yet they are still out in enough time allowing them to acquire benefits. However, as of 2003, around 60,000 members of the nations reservists were in active duty. Typically reservists can stick with their required time. That said, during intense war time, the reserve acts as a backup pool of active duty members. Because of this, weekend warriors can often become full-on soldiers. Fortunately reservists do not have to abandon their lives completely when called to duty. An article by the New York Times states, "...reservists called to active duty are legally guaranteed their civilian jobs, with the same status and salary, for up to five years". The military reservist program is a complicated one, filled with endless possibilities and outcomes, but whether a reservist is called to active duty or fulfills only their original requirements, the program remains one that allows civilians to be soldiers.