Operation Vigilant Warrior was a military operation from 8 October 1994 to 15 December 1994 by the United States in response to two divisions of Iraqi Republican Guard troops moving toward the Kuwaiti border. A quick response by United States President Bill Clinton allowed USCENTAF command and staff to deploy to Riyadh within days.[1]
On 8 October 1994, 1st Force Service Support Group (FSSG), I Marine Expeditionary Force, was put on alert. The 1st FSSG Forward (FWD) was manned up to deploy as the lead element for the 1st FSSG. The FSSG FWD deployed 120 Marines and equipment from March Air Force Base, CA to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia via Air Force Cargo Aircraft on 28 October 1994. The unit then traveled north by convoy to the port of Al-Jubayli. At the same time, two brigades of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) deployed from Fort Benning and Fort Stewart GA to the port of Ad-Dammam.[2]
Iraq immediately recalled its ground forces. With no remaining need for the unit, retrograde began within a few days and the unit departed from Daharan, Saudi Arabia, on 5 November 1994.
The Joint Meritorious Unit Award given went to HQ US Training Mission Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 October 1994 through December 15, 1994, for Operation Vigilant Warrior.[3] US Service members who participated were authorized the Southwest Asia Service Medal, but not the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) nor the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) due to these events taking place after the end dates of those specific medals.
The United Kingdom's contribution was two warships, HMS Cardiff and HMS Cornwall, doubling their deployment of RAF Tornado GR1s (originally six) and increasing their troop numbers to 1,000.[4]