Force Protection: A Need Not a Want

Since President George Bush announced an end to major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been several thousand combat-related casualties in both countries. The combat losses from insurgent Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar RAM attacks are extremely high. Second to Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs, RAM attacks constitute the largest cause of all Soldiers Killed in Action KIA andor Wounded in Action WIA. Insurgent RAM attacks have the potential to create a national notable event if a direct hit on a high-density troop location occurs. Consolidating soldier services in one location, like a large dining facility, enhances physical security but also presents unique target opportunities. To mitigate a future scenario like this, and save the lives of many American servicemen and women, the Marine Corps must incorporate the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar CRAM system into the Marine Air and Ground Task Force MAGTF to maximize their force protection capabilities during expeditionary operations. This paper will address the need for a C-RAM system in the Marine Corps by evaluating the current enemy threat, future enemy threat, C-RAM system capabilities, its feasibility, and its integration into the current structured force.