"Operation Desert Storm, also known as the second phase of the Gulf War, signaled the end of the Cold War. Iraqs invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was met with a unified condemnation by the United Nations and led to retaliatory military action spearheaded by the United States and the United Kingdom resulting in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. While the military escalation introduced front-line commentary via daily CNN broadcasts from Kuwait and Iraq as events unfolded, many perspectives of this infamous conflict are left to history, including those of the soldiers leading and participating in the dangerous international dispute. Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division, or "Bandit," as it is better known, was one of nearly 200 armor and infantry companies that fought during Desert Storm. Mark Gerges, Bandits commander, reveals the inside story of the tank companys sixty-three soldiers and officers stationed in Germany during the late Cold War and their unexpected deployment to Saudi Arabia. Featuring an in-depth look at the Battle of Medina Ridge-the largest tank battle since World War II-Bandit examines the inner workings of an infantry unit, one of the basic building blocks of the Army. Tracing the arc of the Cold Wars final months, the book closely follows both the personal and combat experiences of those who served in a typical tank company during the war. Gerges sifts through a bounty of resources, including journals, letters, and military orders, as well as the company- and battalion-level reactions to the unfolding events of Desert Storm to present a full view of his battalions wartime experience.

Through interviews with soldiers and spouses of 2-70 Armor and the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Gerges provides an all-encompassing look at the operation, including the costs of the operation on those at home. While the late Cold War army and Operation Desert Storm are well-researched historical events, Bandit marks a significant contribution to the historiography of these important conflicts, as the daily life of the company- and battalion-levels is often lost to time. Gergess account adds context and texture to the history of the US Army in its discussion of the "home front" and the volunteer army. Rarely are soldiers from all ranks given an opportunity to relate their experiences in a conflict. Their perspectives shared in this book put readers directly into the often misunderstood role of a US solider at war. Mark Gerges is a historian with the US Armys Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, teaching history to military officers during a ten-month resident course. He served twenty years on active duty as an armor officer. During Desert Storm, he commanded Bandit-Bravo Company, 2-70 Armor"-- Provided by publisher.