Can the U.S. Adequately Protect Its Forces?
Abstract
There are those who believe that if they can cause enough casualties or threats of casualties to U.S. forces, they can weaken support in the U.S. for our presence in the region or weaken support in the host nations for a continued U.S. presence. This approach worked for terrorists when they attacked U.S. forces in Beirut in 1983 because our objectives for being there were unclear. Terrorists were not successful after attacking Khobar Towers because the U.S. has strategic interests in maintaining a force presence in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region and in conducting coalition military operations to contain regional aggression. A military presence demonstrates U.S. commitment to the security of our friends and allies in the region and grants the U.S. access to critical facilities needed to defend its vital interests. In order for the U.S. to continue to protect its vital interests in the region, the U.S. must develop better and more efficient ways of protecting its forces and making these forces less vulnerable to terrorist attack. Fusion cells will provide operational and tactical commanders with timely intelligence which may help them better prepare for terrorist attacks. The services and allied forces need to unify their force protection efforts to combat the terrorist threat. Force protection information must be shared by all commands. The U.S. must continue to look for ways to reduce U.S. force vulnerability to terrorist attack. Improvements for physical security have been made, but the best solution is to reduce the number of U.S. forces overseas. We can do that now through effectively and efficiently employing our expeditionary forces. Through these measures, the U.S. can combat the terrorist threat while continuing to protect its vital interests around the world, and at the same tine protecting its most vital resource - the American fighting man and woman.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328095
Entities
People
- Dale Pangman
Organizations
- Naval War College