Women in the Gulf War

The Gulf War took place between 1990 and 1991 and was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition led by the United States. The conflict broke out in 1990 after Iraq invaded and occupied the country of Kuwait. This caused a retaliation in two parts to be conducted. The first movement against Iraq was titled Operation Desert Shield, which was a strong military buildup that lasted until the end of 1990. The United States then launched the second half of their assault with Operation Desert Storm, which took place in January and February of 1991. This was an aerial bombing against Iraq and eventually led to the liberation of Kuwait.

The Gulf War is the first instance where we see women serving in direct military zones in combat roles. Women were accepted as combatants in both the United States and Canada. This paved the way for women to be accepted in combat roles in other future wars. Women during the Gulf War also functioned as nurses and medics as well as war correspondents. The Gulf War was the entrance to the modern era of women in the military.