Accession Number:

AD1147758

Title:

Sharpening the Blunt Layer: Addressing Shortfalls in the Indo-Pacific with Smart Solutions

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Final Report]

Corporate Author:

Naval War College

Personal Author(s):

• Harper, Michael

Report Date:

2021-03-15

Pagination or Media Count:

13

Abstract:

As the United States modifies its security posture in the Indo-Pacific according to the four layers of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, several short-term and long-term challenges arise. Rather than attempt to patch together a blunt layer composed of ill-suited legacy systems in the near-term, the U.S. should instead reinforce its contact layer while simultaneously shaping a credible blunt layer consisting primarily of allied and partner forces. This contact-heavy approach, made up of three principles, considers U.S. advantages and disadvantages, improves escalation dynamics while maintaining a credible deterrent, and fosters the critical strategic objective of promoting a regional network of partnerships.

Descriptors:

• national security
• united states
• security
• department of defense
• addressing
• deployment
• abstracts
• deterrence
• dynamics
• geography
• law
• regional security
• surveillance
• aircraft carriers
• amphibious operations
• competition
• geographic regions
• platforms
• acquisition
• aircrafts

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]