Jayhawk: The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War

Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War is a highly readable account of the involvement of Lt. Gen. Frederick M. Franks's command in Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. The arrival of Jayhawk-the historic nickname for corps having the number seven-with its armor heavy forces gave the coalition the offensive option to drive the Iraqi Army out of Kuwait, but the rapid conclusion of the popularly known 100-Hour War with smart bombs, precision-guided weapons, and efficient electronics fostered what Stephen A. Bourque calls the illusion of a simple, almost push-button, operation with a preordained outcome. Arguing that the endeavor was anything but simple, Bourque tells the full story of the VII Corps from its deployment to Saudi Arabia, through its phases of preparation and its offensive against the Iraqi Army, to finally its return to Europe and the United States, in the process bringing alive the scale and complexities involved in assembling, moving, and controlling men and materiel. Bourque's volume captures valuable combat lessons, especially the singular performance of General Franks and the effectiveness of the U.S. Army's technology, training, leadership, and warfighting doctrine. It is a must-read for all soldiers.