Which operation established the Marine Corps as a swift response force in 1990?

In 1990, Operation Desert Shield was pivotal in establishing the Marine Corps as a swift response force. This operation was initiated in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and involved a rapid deployment of Marine Corps forces to the region to deter further aggression and ensure the security of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding areas. The successful deployment demonstrated the Marine Corps' ability to mobilize quickly and effectively in a crisis situation, showcasing their readiness and versatility as a rapid-response force.

While other operations listed were significant in their own right, they either preceded or followed Desert Shield, or involved different contexts. Operation Just Cause, for example, focused on deposing Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, while Operation Desert Storm was the subsequent offensive operation that followed Desert Shield, ultimately leading to the liberation of Kuwait. Operation Restore Hope, occurring in the early 1990s, addressed humanitarian needs in Somalia rather than the specific rapid military response context that was emphasized during Desert Shield. Thus, the importance of Operation Desert Shield lies in its role in setting the strategic foundation for the Marine Corps' swift response capabilities in subsequent military engagements.