A new approach to maritime security which provides for layered defense of the American homeland built around maritime domain awareness is viewed as a crucial effort in the United States. To build capabilities for the new approach requires redirecting U.S. maritime capabilities away from an emphasis on overseas presence and…
The USMC has become more of a land army as a consequence of the Iraq War. General Conway, the USMC Commandant, is worried the Corps is losing its expeditionary focus. Marine officers who have joined the USMC during the Iraq period are very likely NEVER to have been aboard ship.…
One of the more interesting dynamics of change in concepts of operations in the years ahead will be the relationship between robotic systems and ground, air and sea operations. An excellent illustration of the thinking about operational scenarios within which ground robotic vehicles might be used in the years ahead…
[caption id="attachment_481" align="alignleft" width="214" caption="Aegis Missile Launch"][/caption] Missile defense is a global effort. It requires the global deployment of U.S. forces and the capability to connect those forces with those of its allies. Joint and coalition concepts of operations are being shaped to ensure decision makers with the options of…
9/17/09: The United States and its allies are in the midst of a significant financial downturn with serious consequences for defense acquisition. The “contingency operation” in Afghanistan and the “withdrawal” from Iraq both generate severe budgetary pressures and emphasize force acquisition priorities most appropriate to those operations. And the “withdrawal”…
[caption id="attachment_1185" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="LCS"][/caption] Littoral operations for US and allied navies have largely focused on warfighting as the defining element. For a "blue water" fleet like the US Navy, the littorals are the areas passed through in shaping the battle on the air and land in confronting adversaries. The…
The U.S. Navy can position itself as a key element for the Obama Administration as it seeks new opportunities for global cooperation. The Administration has underscored their desire "to build partnership capacity" and to "enhance enduring relationships" among core allies. The USN has a unique global presence and works every…
[caption id="attachment_487" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Mobile Provider 08"][/caption] The USMC has been wargaming its approach to logistics as it seeks to improve its expeditionary capability. For the USMC, shaping an effective approach to expeditionary logistics is seen as central to core capabilities. During one such exercise, Mobile Provider 08, which was…
