What was Operation Unified Response (2010)?

Introduction Operation Unified Response was the United States military’s response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It was conducted by Joint Task Force Haiti and commanded by United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Military Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Ken Keen, although the overall US government response was headed by Rajiv Shah, administrator of the United States Agency… Read More

What was Operation Unified Assistance (2004)?

Introduction Operation Unified Assistance was the American military’s humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. On 28 December 2004, elements of the Combined Support Force were deployed to U-Tapao International Airport in Thailand. More than 12,600 Department of Defence (DOD) personnel were involved in the relief effort. Refer to Operation Unified Response… Read More

What was Operation United Assistance (2014)?

Introduction Operation United Assistance was a 2014 United States military mission to help combat the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, including the part of the epidemic occurring in Liberia. The 101st Airborne Division headquarters was responsible for leading the mission. Refer to Operation Unified Assistance (2004) and Operation Unified Response (2010). Brief History The… Read More

What is Peace Direct?

Introduction Peace Direct is a charity based in London, England which supports grassroots peacebuilders in areas of conflict. Peace Direct focuses on supporting grassroots peacebuilders who are local to the conflict and have a clear vision of what needs to be achieved. Peace Direct funds this work, promotes it and learns from it. The current… Read More

What is a Smoke Screen?

Introduction A smoke screen (a military tactic) is smoke released to mask the movement or location of military units such as infantry, tanks, aircraft, or ships. Smoke screens are commonly deployed either by a canister (such as a grenade) or generated by a vehicle (such as a tank or a warship). Whereas smoke screens were… Read More

What is Crossing the T in Naval Warfare?

Introduction Crossing the T or capping the T is a classic naval warfare tactic used from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries in which a line of warships crosses in front of a line of enemy ships to allow the crossing line to bring all their guns to bear while it receives fire from… Read More