Accession Number:

ADA463371

Title:

Command and Control of U.S. Sealift: Strength or Achilles Heel?

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI JOINT MILITARY OPERATIONS DEPT

Personal Author(s):

• Barrett, Sam C.

Report Date:

2006-10-23

Pagination or Media Count:

26.0

Abstract:

This study evaluates the command and control C2 of U.S. sealift forces as measured against a generic near-peer adversary in 2018. The study begins with a vignette in which an enemy employs a creative operational scheme to delay U.S. power projection capability. This scenario forms the point of reference from which several weaknesses in U.S. sealift C2 capability are identified. The study offers a strategic context from which a similar scenario might develop in the future. The first section details U.S. National Sealift capability. The second section addresses C2 of U.S. sealift. Three elements of C2 are identified as potential critical vulnerabilities -- unity of command, interoperability, and in-transit visibility. The final section offers specific suggestions to reduce vulnerabilities vis- -vis an enemy attack. It also offers an important mindset shift that must take place within logistical circles to help U.S. C2 capability withstand likely attack against sealift forces in the future. The intent of this study is to raise the awareness of military leaders to significant vulnerabilities within U.S. power projection capability, and to suggest logical actions to reduce those vulnerabilities before an enemy can exploit them in the future.

Descriptors:

• *COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• *SEALIFT OPERATIONS
• CENTER OF GRAVITY
• INTEROPERABILITY
• WAR GAMES
• MILITARY COMMANDERS
• AWARENESS
• ENEMY
• MARINE TRANSPORTATION
• VULNERABILITY

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Command, Control and Communications Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE