Accession Number:

ADA561273

Title:

Back to the Sea: U.S. Strategic Requirements and Sea Control

Descriptive Note:

Strategy Research Project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Kirk, James A.

Report Date:

2012-03-22

Pagination or Media Count:

38.0

Abstract:

Since the end of the Cold War in 1991, and particularly during the decade since September 11th, the U.S. Navy has under resourced sea control capabilities. For two decades, the United States has been able to assume U.S. Navy control of the seas. Department of Defense and Navy leaders have focused on power projection capabilities as the number one defense resourcing priority. However, the strategic environment has changed and U.S. strategic priorities are being adjusted accordingly. Likewise, the U.S. Navy must reorient its resourcing priorities to recapitalize its sea control capabilities by turning its attention back to the sea. The Navy must develop a comprehensive strategy to meet the challenges of 21st Century sea control. The Navy s value to the Nation will be measured against its ability to exercise sea control to support the attainment of national strategic objectives. This SRP examines the Navy sea control capabilities required to support new U.S. strategic priorities. It concludes that the Navy must rebalance the priority assigned to the core mission of sea control and recommends the crafting of a new maritime strategy that adequately considers the realities of the new strategic environment and addresses resourcing priorities.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY STRATEGY
• *OCEANS
• *POWER
• MILITARY REQUIREMENTS
• NAVAL OPERATIONS
• STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE