greatest tank battles: the battle of 73 eastings

US intelligence suggested that four divisions were emplaced to ensure the successful retreat of the main body of the Iraqi Army. Charged with an array of tasks, including protecting the president, the soldiers in the Republican Guard were the very best Iraq had to offer. Those who voluntarily join or remain in the military and had become the very best were permitted to serve in the Republican Guard. That being said, we also know that the Iraqi Republican Guard comprised professional soldiers. Simply put, the majority of soldiers serving in the Iraqi Army during Operation Desert Sabre were conscripted soldiers. The composition of the Iraqi Army is similar to that of any conventional military. The majority of the retreating Iraqi Army had returned to Iraq while few elements remained in tactical defensive positions charged with guarding the retreat en masse.

At this point in the conflict the coalition forces had forced Iraqi troops to cut their losses and abandon their campaign.

The Iraqi Army had begun their retreat and was pulling out of Kuwait as fast as they could.

Greatest tank battles: the battle of 73 eastings