Mobilization and Defense Management Technical Reports Series. 'And Two If By Sea.' Reestablishing an American Troopship Capability.
Abstract
This study examines the current and future ability of the United States to transport troops by sealift. Potential limitations on airlift, the first leg of strategic trooplift, combined with missions which uniquely require troopship mandate that a seaborne trooplift capability be available. The present absence of active troopships requires that some means of restoring the second leg of strategic mobility, sealift, be developed. The present lack of troopships has both historical precedent and is a result of reliance on airlift to deploy troops. In order to insure the ability to respond to all possible contingencies and to insure that the deployment rates in a general war can be met, restoration of a troopship capability is required. There are resources in being, which through effective planning and with minimal funding could provide an adequate troopship capability. The study recommends that the planning cycle which has led to the loss of the seaborne trooplift option be revised. A specific requirement must be developed. Programs which will lead to a rapid improvement in ship availability and will facilitate mobilization are described. Finally, regularly exercising the troopship capability is recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA138181
Entities
People
- J. R. Clickener
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy