The Powell Matrix

From Warriors Hate War by Glenn Sturm

Wars Since 1947 President Secretary of Defense or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Year Major Combatant leader Doctrine  Result
 Greek Civil War Truman George C. Marshall (1880–1959) 1946-1949 Unclear
Korean War Truman Robert A. Lovett 1950-1954 General Douglas MacArthur initially, later replaced by General Matthew Ridgway. Largely ignored the Powell Doctrine principles, especially regarding clear objectives, overwhelming force, and the lack of an exit strategy. The war became prolonged and lacked strong public support in its later stages. Unsuccessful
Vietnam War Eisenhower Charles Erwin Wilson 1955 1957 Key leaders included General William Westmoreland and General Creighton Abrams. Unsuccessful
Eisenhower Neil H. McElroy 1957-1959
Eisenhower Thomas S. Gates Jr. 1959-1961
Kennedy Robert McNamara 1961-1963
Johnson Robert McNamara 1963-1969
Johnson Clark Clifford 1968-1969
Nixon Melvin R. Laird 1969-1973
Ford Elliot Richardson 1973
Ford James R. Schlesinger 1973-1975
Bay of Pigs Invasion Kennedy Robert McNamara 1961 The CIA oversaw the operation, with John F. Kennedy as president. Unconventional Warfare and Covert Action Unsuccessful
Cuban Missile Crisis Kennedy Robert McNamara 1962 President John F. Kennedy and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. Deterrence and Naval Blockade (Quarantine) Successful
Laos: Johnson-Nixon Thomas S. Gates Jr. (1959–1961)
Robert S. McNamara (1961–1968)
Clark Clifford (1968–1969)
Melvin R. Laird (1969–1973)
Elliot Richardson (1973)
James R. Schlesinger (1973–1975)		 1962–1975 CIA-directed operations with Hmong leader General Vang Pao. Counterinsurgency and Covert Operations Unsuccessful
Congo Johnson Thomas S. Gates Jr. (1959–1961)
Robert S. McNamara (1961–1968):		 1964 United Nations Peacekeeping: Included support by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld (early part). Stabilization and Support for Local Allies Unclear
Dominican Civil War Johnson/Nixon Robert S. McNamara 1965–1966 Intervention and Stabilization Unclear
Korean DMZ Incident Johnson/Niixon Robert S. McNamara (1961–1968)
Clark Clifford (1968–1969)		 1966-1969 American forces stationed along the DMZ. Flexible Response and Deterrence Unsuccessful
USS Liberty Incident Johnson Robert S. McNamara (1961–1968 1967 Israeli forces conducted the attack under unclear circumstances during the Six-Day War. Intelligence Gathering and Rules of Engagement Unsuccessful
Laos & Cambodia Johnson Melvin R. Laird (1969–1973) 1968 Counterinsurgency and Covert Operations Unsuccessful
Cambodian Campaign Nixon James R. Schlesinger 1967–1975 President Richard Nixon authorized the invasion with military commanders in the region. Counterinsurgency and Conventional Warfare Unsuccessful
Cambodia: Mayaguez incident,   Ford James R. Schlesinger 1975 Crisis Response and Show of Force Unsuccessful
Iran: Operation Eagle Claw Carter Harold Brown 1980 Led by Delta Force under Colonel Charles Beckwith during the failed rescue attempt of American hostages. Special Operations and Hostage Rescue Unsuccessful
Libya: First Gulf of Sidra  Carter Casper Weinberger 1981 Led by U.S. Navy pilots during an air engagement with Libyan forces. Freedom of Navigation and Show of Force Unsuccessful
Lebanon: Multinational Force  Regan Casper Weinberger 1982-1983 U.S. forces under President Ronald Reagan were involved in peacekeeping. Peacekeeping and Stabilization Unsuccessful
Grenada: Operation Urgent Fury Regan Casper Weinberger 1983 Led by Admiral Joseph Metcalf III. Rapid Dominance and Power Projection Unclear
Libya: Action in the Gulf of Sidra Regan Casper Weinberger 1986 Freedom of Navigation and Aerial Engagement Successful
Libya: Operation El Dorado Canyon,  Regan Casper Weinberger 1986 President Ronald Reagan authorized airstrikes led by the U.S. Air Force. Power Projection and Precision Strikes Unclear
Persian Gulf: Operation Prime Chance  Regan Casper Weinberger (1981–1987)
Frank Carlucci (1987–1989		 1987-1988.  SOCOM Navy commanders directed operations against Iranian forces. Maritime Interdiction and Low-Intensity Conflict Unsuccessful
Persian Gulf: Operation Praying Mantis  Regan Frank Carlucci 1988 Vice Admiral Anthony A. Less: Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). He was the overall commander of U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf, overseeing the execution of Operation Praying Mantis.
Commander George B. Crist: As the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), he had broader oversight of operations in the region, including strategic decisions during the operation.		 Maritime Warfare and Power Projection Unsuccessful
Honduras: Operation Golden Pheasant Regan Frank Carlucci 1988 General John Galvin: As the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), General Galvin oversaw U.S. operations in Central America, including Operation Golden Pheasant.
Brigadier General John W. Foss: He led the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division forces that were deployed to Honduras. Under his command, U.S. troops conducted training exercises with Honduran forces to demonstrate readiness and deter Nicaraguan forces.		 Show of Force and Deterrence Unsuccessful
USS Vincennes shoot Iran Air Flight 655. Regan Frank Carlucci 1988 Captain William C. Rogers III: Commanding officer of the USS Vincennes. Captain Rogers was in charge of the ship's operations and made the decision to fire the missile that downed Iran Air Flight 655, based on what he believed was an imminent threat.
Vice Admiral Anthony A. Less: Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), overseeing naval operations in the Persian Gulf. While not directly involved in the decision, he was the regional commander responsible for broader operational directives.		 Air and Maritime Defense, Rules of Engagement Unsuccessful
Libya: Second Gulf of Sidra incident Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 Captain Joseph Prueher: Commander of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), overseeing U.S. Navy air operations in the region, including the air patrols that engaged the Libyan aircraft.
The Pilots: The engagement itself involved two F-14 Tomcat pilots, Commander Joseph Bernard Connelly and Lieutenant Commander Leo F. Enwright of the U.S. Navy’s Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), who intercepted and shot down the Libyan MiGs in self-defense after the MiGs continued to close in on them.		 Air Superiority and Deterrence Unsuccessful
Panama: President Bush ordered a brigade-sized element Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 General Maxwell R. Thurman: Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). General Thurman was responsible for overseeing U.S. military forces in Panama, including the deployment of the additional brigade-sized element. He later commanded Operation Just Cause, which successfully led to Noriega’s capture. Escalation Control and Show of Force Successful
Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru: Andean Initiative in War on Drugs Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 President George H.W. Bush: He launched the Andean Initiative as part of his administration’s broader anti-drug policy, allocating funds and resources to assist South American governments in combating drug cartels.
General Colin Powell: As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell provided strategic oversight and guidance for U.S. military support in the Andean region.
Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky: A senior U.S. diplomat in Latin America, Levitsky played a key role in coordinating U.S. anti-drug efforts with the governments of Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru.		 Counterinsurgency and Counter-Narcotics Unsuccessful
Philippines: Operation Classic Resolve Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 President George H.W. Bush: As U.S. President, he ordered the deployment of U.S. forces to support the Aquino government and protect American interests in the Philippines.
Admiral Huntington Hardisty: Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), overseeing U.S. military operations in the Pacific region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and other forces to the Philippines as part of Operation Classic Resolve.		 Show of Force and Security Assistance Successful
Panama: United States invasion of Panama and Operation Just Cause  Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989-1990 Led by General Maxwell R. Thurman to capture Manuel Noriega Powell Successful
Persian Gulf: Operation Prime Chance  Regan Caspar Weinberger (1981–1987)
Frank Carlucci (1987–1989)		 1987-1988. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. Maritime Interdiction and Low-Intensity Conflict Successful
Persian Gulf: Operation Praying Mantis  Regan Frank Carlucci 1988 Vice Admiral Anthony A. Less: He was the Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, overseeing the U.S. Navy’s operations in the Persian Gulf. Under his command, U.S. forces launched the operation in response to the mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts by Iran. Maritime Warfare and Power Projection Successful
Honduras: Operation Golden Pheasant Regan Frank Carlucci 1988 General John Galvin: As the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), General Galvin oversaw U.S. operations in Central America, including Operation Golden Pheasant.
Brigadier General John W. Foss: Led the deployment of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division forces that were sent to Honduras. Under his leadership, troops conducted training exercises and showed a strong military presence to deter Nicaraguan forces.		 Show of Force / Deterrence Doctrine Successful
Panama additional troops for pressure Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 General Maxwell R. Thurman: Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, he was responsible for overseeing U.S. forces in Panama. His role was crucial in the planning and buildup of forces as well as the subsequent Operation Just Cause to oust Noriega. Flexible Response and Escalation Control Successful
Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru: Andean Initiative in War on Drugs Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 President George H.W. Bush: As part of his administration’s broader anti-drug policy, President Bush launched the Andean Initiative to address drug production in Latin America.
General Colin Powell: As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he was involved in the strategic oversight of U.S. military support in the region.
Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky: A senior U.S. diplomat, Levitsky was instrumental in coordinating anti-drug efforts with Andean governments.		 Counterinsurgency and Counter-Narcotics Operations Successful
Philippines: Operation Classic Resolve Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989-1990 President George H.W. Bush: As the U.S. President, he ordered the deployment of U.S. forces to the region to show support for the Aquino government and to protect American interests in the Philippines.
Admiral Huntington Hardisty: Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), he oversaw U.S. military operations in the region, including the positioning of aircraft carriers near the Philippines as a show of force.		 Show of Force / Security Assistance Successful
Panama: United States invasion of Panama  and Operation Just Cause  Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1989 General Maxwell R. Thurman: As the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), General Thurman was responsible for planning and leading the operation. He oversaw the coordination of U.S. forces in Panama to execute the mission successfully. Powell Successful
Saudi Arabia: Operation Desert Shield Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1991 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Schwarzkopf was the overall leader of coalition forces during both Operation Desert Shield and the subsequent Operation Desert Storm. He was responsible for organizing and deploying forces to Saudi Arabia, as well as coordinating multinational military efforts. Powell Successful
Iraq: Operation Desert Storm Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1991 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Commanded the Coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm. He was responsible for the planning and execution of the successful air and ground campaigns that led to the liberation of Kuwait. Powell Successful
Iraq: Operation Desert Sabre Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1991 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Schwarzkopf was the overall leader of coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Sabre. He directed the ground offensive strategy, which included a "left hook" maneuver to outflank Iraqi forces and liberate Kuwait.
Lieutenant General Walter E. Boomer: Commanded the U.S. I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), which played a crucial role in breaching Iraqi defenses and advancing into Kuwait.
Lieutenant General John Yeosock: Commanded the U.S. Army’s Third Army, leading the ground assault with significant contributions from U.S. and allied armored units.		 Powell Successful
Iraq: Operation Provide Comfort Bush 41 (1989-1993)
Clinton (1993-2001)		 Dick Cheney (1989–1993)
Les Aspin (1993–1994)
William Perry (1994–1997)		 1991-1996 Lieutenant General John M. Shalikashvili: He served as the overall commander of Operation Provide Comfort. Shalikashvili coordinated the multinational effort to deliver humanitarian aid, protect Kurdish refugees, and establish a security zone in northern Iraq. Humanitarian Intervention and No-Fly Zone Enforcement Successful
 Sierra Leone: Operation Silver Anvil Bush 41 General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 1992 Brigadier General Richard W. Potter Jr.: Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) assigned to Operation Silver Anvil. He was responsible for planning and overseeing the safe evacuation of American citizens and other designated personnel from Sierra Leone. Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) Successful
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Humanitarian Operation Provide Promise Clinton Dick Cheney (1989–1993)
Les Aspin (1993–1994)
William Perry (1994–1997)		 1992-1996 General John Shalikashvili: As the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) during a portion of the operation, Shalikashvili was responsible for overseeing NATO’s involvement, coordinating efforts to ensure safe and effective humanitarian relief missions. Humanitarian Relief and Airlift Operations Successful
Banja Luka incident Clinton William Perry General James L. Jamerson: As the Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, General Jamerson oversaw air operations in the region, including those enforcing the no-fly zone under Operation Deny Flight.
Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda: The Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe at the time, Boorda had operational oversight of U.S. contributions to NATO operations, though direct combat decisions were managed by the on-ground NATO command structure.
The NATO pilots involved, primarily from the U.S. Air Force flying F-16s, directly engaged the Bosnian Serb aircraft. The engagement was led by the U.S. fighter pilots executing orders in the field to enforce the no-fly restrictions.		 No-Fly Zone Enforcement Successful
Iraq: Iraqi no-fly zones Clinton DICK CHANEY 1993-1995 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Initially oversaw CENTCOM during the establishment of the no-fly zones after the Gulf War.
General John P. Jumper: Later, as Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Central Command Air Forces, he was heavily involved in enforcing the no-fly zones.		 Deterrence and No-Fly Zone Enforcement Unclear
Bosnia: Operation Deny Flight Clinton Les Aspin (1993–1994)
William Perry (1994–1997)		 1993-1995 General James L. Jamerson: Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, responsible for enforcing the no-fly zone.
General Sir Michael Rose: Commanded UNPROFOR forces and coordinated with NATO on operations related to enforcing the zone.		 Peace Enforcement and No-Fly Zone Successful
Somalia: Battle of Mogadishu Operation Gothic Serpent  Clinton Les Aspin 1993 Major General William Garrison: Commander of the mission, overseeing the planning and tactical decisions. Special Operations and Urban Combat Unsuccessful
Kuwait: Operation Vigilant Warrior Clinton William Perry 1994 General John Shalikashvili: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, overseeing the deployment. Rapid Deployment and Deterrence Successful
Bosnia: Operation Joint Guard Clinton William Perry (1994–1997)
William Cohen (1997–2001)		 1996 General Wesley Clark: As Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), he was responsible for overseeing NATO operations in Bosnia.
Lieutenant General Eric K. Shinseki: Commanded the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) during part of the operation.		 Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Successful
Iraq: Operation Desert Fox Clinton William Cohen 1998 General Anthony C. Zinni: Commander of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the operation’s execution. Precision Strikes and Limited Air Campaign Unclear
Serbia: Operation Allied Force  Clinton William Cohen 1999 General Wesley Clark: NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, responsible for directing the campaign. Coercive Air Power and Humanitarian Intervention Successful
2000, after USS Cole attack in the  Clinton William Cohen 2000 General Tommy Franks: As Commander of U.S. Central Command, he was responsible for subsequent military actions and increased security measures in the region. Counterterrorism and Force Protection Unsuccessful
On April 1, 2001, a mid-air collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals surveillance aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) J-8II interceptor fighter jet resulted in an international dispute between the United States and the People's Republic of China called the Hainan Island incident. Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2001 Admiral Dennis C. Blair: At the time, Blair was the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). As the senior military official responsible for U.S. operations in the Pacific region, he oversaw the response and managed military communications during the incident. Intelligence Gathering and Crisis Management Unclear
On October 7, 2001, ODA 595 part of the U.S Army special forces invaded Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks and "begin combat action in Afghanistan against Al Qaeda Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2001 General Tommy Franks: As the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Franks was the primary leader responsible for the overall strategy and execution of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He directed the deployment of U.S. forces and coordinated with allied forces and local Afghan leaders.

Colonel John F. Mulholland: Commander of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), he oversaw the deployment of ODA 595 and other Special Forces units into Afghanistan, where they coordinated with the Northern Alliance to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda.		 Counterterrorism and Unconventional Warfare Successful
Yemen: On November 3, 2002, an American MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a car in Yemen killing Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi, an al-Qaeda leader thought to be responsible for USS Cole bombing. [RL30172] Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2001 General Tommy Franks: As the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Franks oversaw operations in the Middle East, including counterterrorism efforts. He was responsible for the strategy behind using precision drone strikes in Yemen to target al-Qaeda operatives without deploying ground forces.

CIA Director George Tenet: The CIA played a central role in the intelligence and operational aspects of the drone strike, with Tenet overseeing agency efforts against high-value targets in al-Qaeda, particularly in regions like Yemen where al-Qaeda had active cells.		 Targeted Killing and Precision Counterterrorism Successful
War in Afghanistan: The War on Terror begins with Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 7, 2001, U.S. Armed Forces invade Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks and "begin combat action in Afghanistan against Al Qaeda andtheir Taliban supporters. Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2001–2021: General Tommy Franks initially led the invasion following 9/11. Counterinsurgency and Counterterrorism Unclear
Operation Endure Freeedom-Philippines, As of January, U.S. "combat-equipped and combat support forces" have been deployed to the Philippines to train with, assist and advise the Philippine Armed Forces in enhancing their "counterterrorist capabilities Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2002 Admiral Thomas B. Fargo: As the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Admiral Fargo oversaw U.S. military operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including OEF-Philippines. He coordinated U.S. military support, training programs, and resources to assist the AFP in counterterrorism operations.

Brigadier General Donald C. Wurster: Commander of Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC) at the time, Wurster led the deployment of U.S. special operations forces who trained and advised the AFP. His role included overseeing U.S. Special Forces operations on the ground, ensuring effective collaboration with the Philippine military.		 Foreign Internal Defense and Counterterrorism Assistance Successful
War in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, March 20, 2003, The United States leads a coalition that includes the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland to invade Iraq with the stated goal being "to disarm Iraq in pursuit of peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and in the United States. Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2003 General Tommy Franks: Led the initial invasion in 2003 under Operation Iraqi Freedom, overseeing the campaign that quickly toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime.
President George W. Bush: U.S. President who ordered the invasion of Iraq based on concerns about weapons of mass destruction and to remove Saddam Hussein from power.
General David Petraeus: Later led U.S. forces during the “surge” in 2007, implementing a new counterinsurgency strategy aimed at stabilizing Iraq.		 Shock and Awe, Counterinsurgency Unsuccessful
The U.S. deploys drone strikes to aid in the War in North-West Pakistan. Bush 43 Donald Rumsfeld 2001-2009 General Tommy Franks (2001-2003): As Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Franks initially oversaw the strategy for drone strikes in the region, establishing the early framework for targeted operations against terrorist networks in Pakistan.

General John Abizaid (2003-2007) and General David Petraeus (2008-2010): Successive CENTCOM commanders continued to authorize and oversee drone operations as the War on Terror evolved, with Petraeus expanding the use of drones as intelligence and operational capabilities improved.

CIA Directors George Tenet (until 2004), Porter Goss (2004-2006), and Michael Hayden (2006-2009): The CIA was instrumental in executing these strikes, given its mandate in covert operations and intelligence gathering in Pakistan. Each director played a role in expanding and intensifying the drone campaign.		 Precision Counterterrorism and Remote Warfare Unclear
Operation Neptune Spear Obama Robert Gates 2011 Admiral William H. McRaven: Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), who oversaw the planning and execution of the operation.
General David Petraeus: Director of the CIA at the time, coordinating intelligence.		 Direct Action Special Operations Successful
Operation Inherent Resolve Obama
Trump
Biden		 Chuck Hagel (2014–2015)
Ash Carter (2015–2017)
James Mattis (2017–2019)
Mark Esper (2019–2020)
Lloyd Austin (2021–Present)		 2014-present General Lloyd Austin: Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at the operation's start.
General Joseph Votel: CENTCOM Commander later in the campaign.
General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.: CENTCOM Commander during later stages.		 Coalition Warfare and Counterinsurgency Successful
Operation Odyssey Dawn Obama Robert Gates (at the start)
succeeded by Leon Panetta		 2011 Admiral Samuel J. Locklear: Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, directed U.S. operations in support of NATO.
General Carter Ham: Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), oversaw coordination with NATO forces.		 Humanitarian Intervention and No-Fly Zone Enforcement Unclear
Afghanistan Surge Obama Robert Gates (2009-2011)
Leon Panetta (2011 onward)		 2009-2011 General Stanley McChrystal: Commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) during the surge.
General David Petraeus: Replaced McChrystal and led the counterinsurgency strategy.		 Counterinsurgency Successful
Withdrawal from Afghanistan Biden Lloyd Austin 2021 General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.: Commander of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the withdrawal and evacuation operations. Retrograde Operations Successful
Yemen Counterterrorism Operations Obama
Trump
Biden		 Robert Gates
Leon Panetta,
Chuck Hagel,
Ash Carter,
James Mattis,
Mark Esper,
Lloyd Austin		 2010-present General David Petraeus and subsequent CENTCOM Commanders, including General Joseph Votel and General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., have overseen these operations. Counterterrorism and Intelligence-Driven Warfare Unclear
Intervention in Syria (as part of Operation Inherent Resolve) Obama
Trump
Biden		 Chuck Hagel, Ash Carter, James Mattis, Mark Esper, Lloyd Austin 2014-present CENTCOM Commanders like General Joseph Votel and General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. have overseen the operations. Counterterrorism and Limited Engagement Successful
Operation Sentinel Trump Mark Esper 2019 General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.: CENTCOM Commander overseeing the deployment of U.S. forces and coordination with allies to protect maritime traffic. Maritime Security and Deterrence Unclear
Operation Freedom’s Sentinel Obama
Trump
Biden		 Ash Carter, James Mattis, Mark Esper, Lloyd Austin 2015-2021 General John W. Nicholson and General Austin S. Miller served as commanders of U.S. Forces Afghanistan during this period. Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Successful