Winter 2021 Edition

January 2021

In the Winter 2021 issue of Army History, we are pleased to offer two engaging articles, an interesting selection of book reviews, a look at some unique Army art, and an announcement concerning the opening of the National Museum of the United States Army.

The first article, by J. Travis Moger, commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Moger details the complexities of joint operations and coalition warfare while examining the lasting impact the Gulf War has had on the Army, the Middle East, and the world. The second article looks at the use of material culture in the classrooms at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Faculty there, in partnership with the West Point Museum, utilize art and artifacts in a way that gives cadets a greater appreciation and understanding of the history they are being taught.

As I work on putting together this Winter issue, I think about the small group of editors, cartographers, and designers who labor on this publication with me. All of us are facing different challenges during this period as we are teleworking full-time, some with children who are attending school online. I can’t help but be thankful for the Center of Military History (CMH) and its leadership’s flexibility during the pandemic. CMH decided to put the health and well-being of its employees above any possible disruptions in workflow that might arise with almost the entire staff working virtually. The CMH workforce has risen to the occasion and, to my knowledge, there have been almost no significant disruptions. Within my division, work continues to progress, books and journals continue to be published, and some of my coworkers have reported an increase in individual productivity. None of this would have been possible without trust from CMH’s leadership and a belief that we care about the Center’s missions and goals. Pandemic or not, we were going to get the job done.

Speaking of the staff of Army History, I know this period will be remembered as a testament to the adaptability and commitment of my colleagues, who, during difficult times, kept this journal moving forward and provided its readers with quality and thought-provoking content. I am proud of us. I know that Army History’s patrons appreciate the work that goes into each issue, and they have my promise that we will continue to deliver.

Bryan J. Hockensmith
Managing Editor