The Lost Art of Maritime Mining.
Abstract
Maritime minefields have been employed to achieve strategic and operational objectives in the five major American wars of the 20th century. The United States has been both the miner and, most recently, the victim. Mining can strike at the heart of the enemy, take advantage of an Achilles' heel, or compensate for one's own weakness. The U.S. Navy maintains a modest inventory of mines which can be laid in volume by Navy and Air Force aircraft, or covertly by submarines. Today's operational commander faces an increasingly challenging task: tackle a diverse, changing threat with fewer forces and resources without alienating the American public. Minefields can be an integral part of the plan to achieve battlespace dominance and project power. Mining can seize the initiative through surprise, enhance mass and maneuver by achieving economy of force, and expand the commander's battlespace and timeline while compressing those of the enemy. A minefield is a stealthy, persistent, and economical weapon which can deter without killing. Against a maritime foe, the operational commander should consider mining's strategic and operational potential when planning a major operation. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293379
Entities
People
- Neal J. Kusumoto
Organizations
- Naval War College