What is gwot army

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: GWOT (Global War on Terror) is a military and political campaign initiated by the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks, aimed at combating terrorist organizations and preventing terrorism worldwide.

Key Facts

Overview

The Global War on Terror (GWOT) was a broad military and political campaign launched by the United States government following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. President George W. Bush declared the campaign, which became a defining feature of American foreign and military policy for over a decade.

Origins and Declaration

Following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. military launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to eliminate Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime from power. This operation marked the beginning of GWOT, a campaign that expanded to multiple theaters of military engagement across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Major Operations

Key military operations under GWOT included:

Military Structure

GWOT operations involved coordination between military branches, intelligence agencies, and international partners. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) served as the primary military command overseeing operations. NATO and numerous allied nations contributed troops and support to various GWOT operations.

Conclusion of GWOT

The formal designation of GWOT was discontinued around 2013 under the Obama administration, replaced by more specific counterterrorism strategies. However, military operations targeting terrorist organizations continue under different operational names and frameworks today.

Related Questions

What was Operation Enduring Freedom?

Operation Enduring Freedom was the initial major GWOT operation launched in Afghanistan in October 2001. It aimed to eliminate Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power, lasting until the official withdrawal in 2014.

How many countries were involved in GWOT operations?

Over 50 nations contributed to various GWOT operations through military deployments, intelligence sharing, or logistical support. NATO members played significant roles alongside various partner nations in different theaters.

What organizations were targeted by GWOT?

GWOT primarily targeted Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS, and numerous affiliated terrorist organizations. The campaign aimed to disrupt terrorist networks, capture or eliminate leaders, and prevent future attacks on the U.S. and allies.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia - War on TerrorCC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. U.S. Department of Defensepublic domain