ABSTRACT
The Panamanian Defense Force was organized and equipped only for domestic security missions. United States (US) forces had uncontested air superiority over Panama permitting the Military Airlift Command to air lift and drop troops where US commanders desired, permitting both the US Air Force and Army Aviation to provide close air support as needed. The planning process ideally starts with a clear political objective that is militarily achievable. Given the objective and the numbers and capabilities of the hostile forces, US planners must select which forces to use. Planners for Joint Task Force South had a number of sources of intelligence and deception in Panama. Many participants in Just Cause had local knowledge of Panama that provided valuable operational intelligence. The Marines moved on the Bridge of the Americas from the west where they joined the military police unit from Task Force Bayonet.
