A Call for an Official Naval Doctrine
Abstract
The Navy needs an official doctrine. As the importance of the Maritime Strategy diminishes, the Navy must make fundamental reassessments to incorporate the changes necessary for the 21st century. Although much has been written about doctrine almost none of it is from a naval perspective. This paper analyzes why. It begins by examining Army doctrine and the foundation it provides. By then reviewing the differences inherent in land and sea power, it provides an appreciation for why the Navy approaches doctrine differently. The paper then looks at arguments on both sides of the naval doctrine debate. Finally, the paper points out the expanding role of the Navy in contingency and joint operations and it identifies the need for doctrine to provide a comprehensive way of thinking and fighting to win in those arenas. The paper does not attempt to determine what naval doctrine should be, but only whether it is needed. The paper concludes that despite the enormously difficult challenge, the Navy must develop an official doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250339
Entities
People
- Stephen D. Schmidt
Organizations
- Naval War College