In the introduction to Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad (CRS Report # R42738, see below), the US Congressional Research Service says, "The instances vary greatly in size of operation, [duration,] legal authorization, and significance. ... [I]nclusion in this list does not connote either the legality or the level of significance of the instance described. ... Because of differing judgments ..., other lists may include more or fewer instances." That is followed by a footnote that cites three sources of alternative lists, as well as a source for a discussion of the evolution of such lists. This article provides links to those and other sources of listings of US military actions.
In reverse chronological order.
Prefixed asterisks "(*)" indicate the four references cited in Footnote 1 of CRS Report # R42738.
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The law of war is the component of international law that regulates the conditions for initiating war and the conduct of hostilities. Laws of war define sovereignty and nationhood, states and territories, occupation, and other critical terms of law.
An ultimatum is a demand whose fulfillment is requested in a specified period of time and which is backed up by a threat to be followed through in case of noncompliance. An ultimatum is generally the final demand in a series of requests. As such, the time allotted is usually short, and the request is understood not to be open to further negotiation. The threat which backs up the ultimatum can vary depending on the demand in question and on the other circumstances.
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The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is under planning to be constructed in Washington, D.C. near the Lincoln Memorial. It will honor members of the armed forces who participated in Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.
