Is the Navy's Mine Warfare Posture Bankrupt

Abstract

This paper addresses the Navy' posture on mine warfare (MIW). The purpose is to examine the perception that the Navy's MIW capabilities are inadequate and that appropriate corrective actions are not being taken. Despite MIW's lack of strong congressional sponsorship enjoyed by other warfare specialties, the Navy has developed a highly capable and responsive force of mine countermeasures (MCM) helicopters and ocean-going vessels, as well as the capability of providing limited MCM through the Craft of Opportunity Program (COOP). Even though a high proportion of MCM capability resides in the Naval Reserve Force, the channel survey and conditioning function they perform contributes directly to the readiness posture of the active Navy. The Navy's MIW posture is not bankrupt, but is vital and forward looking. Recommendations provided include expanding the COOP, protecting the Reserve MCM role, and institutionalizing the benefit of MIW experience among the officer corps.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA236976

Entities

People

  • Joseph V. Gluth

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Demolition Charges
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Geography
  • Helicopters
  • Military Organizations
  • Mine Countermeasures
  • Minefields
  • Moored Mines
  • Naval Mines
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Persian Gulf
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles
  • Ships
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies