FDLP Resource Guides: Military History: American Conflicts and Wars: Military Conflicts since 1975

Overview

No formal declaration of war has occurred since World War II. Since the 1970s, U.S. Presidents and Congress have used the War Powers Resolution for the authorization to use the U.S. Armed Forces for military engagements. Referring to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution as precedent, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 concerns the war powers between Congress and President. Below are two excerpts:

"It is the purpose of this joint resolution to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations..."
"... Whenever United States Armed Forces are introduced into hostilities or into any situation described in subsection (a) of this section, the President shall, so long as such armed forces continue to be engaged in such hostilities or situation, report to the Congress periodically on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the scope and duration of such hostilities or situation, but in no event shall he report to the Congress less often than once every six months."

This page looks at some of the military conflicts since 1975.

For additional information on war powers:

Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications (RL31133) | Congressional Research Service
Defense Primer: Legal Authorities for the Use of Military Forces | Congressional Research Service
War Powers Resolution of 1973 | Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Lebanon

Overview
Multinational Peace-Keeping Force (1982–1984)

Click on the tab of this box to learn more about the United States Government's involvement in the multinational peace-keeping force in Lebanon from 1982 to 1984.

US Marines armed with M16 rifles take cover behind sandbags during a terrorist attack. The Marines have been deployed in Lebanon as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force following confrontation between Israeli forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization (Image source: NAID: 6415703)

"The governments of the United States, France, Italy, and Great Britain deployed a multinational peacekeeping force to Lebanon in an effort to stabilize the country and stop the fighting between Syria, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and Israel."^

^Naval History and Heritage Command

Related U.S. Government publications:

	Lebanon Emergency Assistance Act of 1983 (Public Law 98–43) Date: June 27, 1983 Quoted except: "To authorize supplemental assistance to aid Lebanon in rebuilding its economy and armed forces, and for other purposes."
	Letter to Congressional Leaders on United States Participation in the Multinational Force in Lebanon Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald W. Reagan (1983, Book II) Date: September 27, 1983 Quoted excerpt: "My understanding and intent remain exactly as they were when I signed the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Act: It would be my intention to seek Congressional authorization—as contemplated by the Act—if circumstances require any substantial expansion in the number or role of U.S. armed forces in Lebanon."
	Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution (Public Law 98–119) Date: October 12, 1983 Quoted except: "Providing statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution for continued United States participation in the multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon in order to obtain withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon."
	Statement on Signing the Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald W. Reagan (1983, Book II) Date: October 12, 1983 Quoted excerpt: "This resolution provides important support for the United States presence and policies in Lebanon and facilitates the pursuit of United States interests in that region on the bipartisan basis that has been the traditional hallmark of American foreign policy."

For additional information:

Beirut Barracks Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery

Learn about the memorial that honors the 241 American service members who died from the bombing on October 23, 1983.

Lebanon—They Came in Peace

Naval History and Heritage Command

See a brief history on the United States Marine Corps' involvement in Lebanon.

The Reagan Administration and Lebanon, 1981–1984

Office of the Historian | U.S. Department of State

View the timeline of U.S. foreign relations with Lebanon.

Iraq

Click on the tabs of this box to learn more about the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

Photograph of President George H. W. Bush Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner with Troops

Photograph of President George H. W. Bush Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner with Troops (Image source: NAID: 186423)

The United States led a coalition force comprised of 35 nations in "response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait."^ The war was in two phases:

Operation Desert Shield (August 2, 1990 to January 17, 1991)
Operation Desert Storm (January 17, 1991 to February 28, 1991)

^Naval History and Heritage Command

Related U.S. Government publications:

Address to the Nation Announcing Armed Forces to Saudi Arabia

Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1990, Book II)

Date: August 8, 1990
Quoted excerpt: "Four simple principles guide our policy. First, we seek the immediate, unconditional, and complete withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Second, Kuwait’s legitimate government must be restored to replace the puppet regime. And third, my administration, as has been the case with every President from President Roosevelt to President Reagan, is committed to the security and stability of the Persian Gulf. And fourth, I am determined to protect the lives of American citizens abroad."

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102–1)

Date: January 14, 1991
Quoted excerpt: "To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678."

Statement on Signing the Resolution Authorizing the Use of Military Force Against Iraq

Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)

Date: January 14, 1991
Quoted excerpt: "This resolution provides unmistakable support for the international community’s determination that Iraq’s ongoing aggression against, and occupation of, Kuwait shall not stand."

For additional information:

	Desert Shield/Desert Storm U.S. Army Center of Military History View general references, archival material, photographs, and artwork.
	Desert Storm: A Look Back U.S. Department of Defense Written in 2019, this article provides an overview about Operation Desert Storm, the "first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War."
	Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm U.S. Army Reserve Read about the role of the United States Army Reserve, "among the first to fight and last to leave."
	Public Health: Gulf War Exposures U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Find information about exposure to "environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks" and how to document them.
	Women in U.S. Military during Desert Shield/Desert Storm Naval History and Heritage Command Learn about the role of women in the military, including in combat zones.

The initial goal of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 19, 2003 to August 31, 2010) was for the "removing Saddam Hussein’s regime and destroying its ability to use weapons of mass destruction or to make them available to terrorists." The operation then shifted to a "more open-ended mission of helping the Government of Iraq improve security, establish a system of governance, and foster economic development."^

^Congressional Research Service

Related U.S. Government publications:

	Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107–243) Date: October 16, 2002 Quoted excerpt: "The Congress of the United States supports the efforts by the President to— (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq and encourages him in those efforts; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq."
	Address to the Nation on Iraq Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I) Date: March 19, 2003 Quoted except: "My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people, and to defend the world from grave danger. On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support."
	Serial No. 110-195 (House Hearing) - Report on Iraq to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs House Committee on Foreign Affairs Date: April 9, 2008 Quoted excerpt: "Five years ago today, the statute of Saddam Hussein was toppled in Baghdad. The euphoria of that moment evaporated long ago, but as Iraq emerges from the shattering violence of 2006 and the early part of 2007, there is reason to sustain that commitment and the enormous investments we have made both in the lives of our young brave men and women and our resources."
	Address to the Nation on the End of Combat Operations in Iraq Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Barack Obama (2010, Book II) Date: August 31, 2010 Quoted excerpt: "Tonight I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended... Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s security forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions, and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi Government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year."

For additional information:

	2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom Fact Sheet U.S. Air Force Historical Support Division View a detailed fact sheet about the operation involving the United States Air Force.
	To Baghdad and Beyond: ARSOF in Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. Army Learn about the role of the Army Special Operations Forces during the operation.
	The Iraq War George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum See digitized presidential records and resources.
	Operation Iraqi Freedom Naval History and Heritage Command Explore additional readings, people, artifacts, and artwork.
	Operation Iraqi Freedom, Full-Text Citations United States Army Medal of Honor Read the stories about the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
	Public Health: Iraq War Exposures U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Find information about exposure to "environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks" and how to document them.

Operation New Dawn (September 1, 2010 to December 15, 2011) reflected the "reduced role U.S. troops played in securing Iraq as troop levels fell."^

^U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Related U .S. Government publications:

Serial No. 111-135 (House Hearing) - The Transition to a Civilian-Led U.S. Presence in Iraq: Issues and Challenges

House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Date: November 18, 2010
Quoted excerpt: "U.S. military forces currently face a December 31, 2011, deadline for a complete withdrawal, in accordance with the 2008 agreement with the Iraqis. As a result, the primarily Defense Department-led military campaign is being transformed into a diplomacy, assistance, and advisory effort led by the State Department and USAID. This transition is unprecedented in terms of its sheer complexity, the resources required to do it right, and the likely consequences of failure."

Screenshot of "Serial No. 112-49 (House Hearing) - Preserving Progress: Transitioning Authority and Implementing the Strategic Framework in Iraq, Part 2"

Serial No. 112-49 (House Hearing) - Preserving Progress: Transitioning Authority and Implementing the Strategic Framework in Iraq, Part 2

House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Date: June 23, 2011
Quoted except: "Numerous challenges lay before us in Iraq. Although the Iraqi security forces have progressed by leaps and bounds over the past several years, it is an undeniable fact that our military forces continue to play a vital role on the ground."

Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Deployment of United States Combat-Equipped Armed Forces

Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Barack Obama (2011, Book II)

Date: December 15, 2011
Quoted excerpt: "U.S. forces have continued operations to support Iraq in its efforts to maintain security and stability in Iraq... These contributions have included, but have not been limited to, assisting in building the capability of the Iraqi security forces, supporting the development of Iraq’s political institutions, enhancing the capacity of the Ministries of Defense and Interior, providing critical humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the Iraqis, and supporting the U.S. diplomatic mission... The United States continues its responsible drawdown."

For additional information:

Iraq War Veterans Health Issues

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

This resource is for those served in Iraq between March 19, 2003, and December 15, 2011, because there "may be at risk of certain health conditions," including exposures to burn pit smoke, sulfur fire, and chemical warfare agents.

Returning Home from Iraq and Afghanistan: Assessment of Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families

Committee on the Assessment of the Readjustment Needs of Military Personnel, Veterans, and Their Families; Board on the Health of Select Populations; Institute of Medicine

Written in 2013, Phase I of this study looks at the "veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan with physical-health and mental-health problems and to the growing readjustment needs of active duty service members, veterans, and their family members."

Afghanistan

Click on the tabs of this box to learn more about Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

US Army (USA) CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilots from Bagram Air Base (AB), Afghanistan, fly over the mountains of Afghanistan, delivering supplies to several forward-deployed fire bases in remote areas of Afghanistan in 2003 (Image source: NAID: 6632557)

On September 11, 2001, nineteen men hijacked four planes and crashed them into the World Trade Centers in New York City, into the Pentagon near Washington DC, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.^ One week later, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution to "authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States."^^

^National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States

Related U.S. Government publications:

	^^Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40) Date: September 18, 2001 Quoted excerpt: "Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad."
	Address to the Nation Announcing Strikes Against Al Qaida Training Camps and Taliban Military Installations in Afghanistan Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II) Date: October 7, 2001 Quoted excerpt: "On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against Al Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. These carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime."
	H. Doc. 108-231 - Report on the Status of United States Effort in the Global War on Terrorism Communication from the President of the United States Date: November 16, 2004 Quoted excerpt: "Since September 24, 2001, I have reported, consistent with Public Law 107–40 and the War Powers Resolution, on the combat operations in Afghanistan against al-Qaida terrorists and their Taliban supporters, which began on October 7, 2001, and the deployment of various combat-equipped and combat-support forces to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, and Southern Command areas of operation in support of those operations and of other operations in our global war on terrorism."
	Statement on the End of United States Combat Operations in Afghanistan Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Barack Obama (2014, Book II) Date: December 28, 2014 Quoted except: "Today’s ceremony in Kabul marks a milestone for our country. For more than 13 years, ever since nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us on 9/11, our Nation has been at war in Afghanistan. Now, thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming to a responsible conclusion."

For additional information:

	Global War on Terror George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum View digitized presidential records and resources about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
	Operation Enduring Freedom Naval History and Heritage Command See a chronology, additional resources, and selected imagery.
	Operation Enduring Freedom, Full-Text Citations United States Army Medal of Honor Read the stories about the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
	Public Health: Operation Enduring Freedom Exposures U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Find information about exposure to "environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks" and how to document them.

Operation Freedom's Sentinel "began on January 1, 2015, when the United States formally ended its combat mission, Operation Enduring Freedom, and joined with other nations as part of the NATO Resolute Support Mission."^

Related U.S. Government publications:

	Serial No. 114-131 (House Hearing) - Assessing the President's Strategy in Afghanistan House Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Date: December 2, 2015 Quoted excerpt: "It took a resurgent Taliban seizing control of Kunduz for President Obama to adjust his strategy, announcing a halt to the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. It was an acknowledgement that the strategy of gradual withdraw was not in line with the reality on the ground."
	U.S. Military Withdrawal and Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan: Frequently Asked Questions Congressional Research Service Date: September 17, 2021 Quoted excerpt: "The fall of the elected Afghan government, which had been supported by billions of dollars in U.S. assistance over the course of nearly two decades, raises significant questions about past, present, and future U.S. policy for Members of Congress."
	Serial No. 117-73 (House Hearing) - Afghanistan 2001-2021: Evaluating the Withdrawal and U.S. Policies Part 1 House Committee on Foreign Affairs Date: September 21, 2021 Quoted except: "We meet today to evaluate the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and the series of policies from the past 20 years that led to the events of August 2021."
	^Operation Freedom's Sentinel/Operation Enduring Sentinel Quarterly Lead Inspector General Report to Congress (October 1, 2021–December 31, 2021) Lead Inspector General Report to the United States Congress Date: February 15, 2022 Quoted excerpt: "This quarterly report describes the activities of the U.S. Government in support of OFS and OES, as well as the work of the DoD, the Department of State (DoS), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote the U.S. Government’s policy goals in Afghanistan, during the period of October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021."