Abstract:
The United States military participates in a yearly joint exercise called Solid Shield. This exercise began in 1963 and occurs along the North Carolina coast and includes Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg. The operation in 1983 included every branch of the American military and over 47,000 soldiers. The exercise has evolved over the years and currently is based on the scenario that a friendly nation is being subjected to outside intervention from a third country resulting in governmental instability. The military's objective is to offer military assistance and restore order for the friendly government. The author observes Solid Shield from the deck the U.S.S. Inchon, a naval amphibious assault ship that carries twenty-eight helicopters and 2,000 Marines.