The Operational Implications of Assuring Access
Abstract
Power projection capability and assured access of the littorals are the cornerstones of the Navy strategic vision "Forward...From the Sea". Assured access is defined as "the guaranteed right to approach, enter, and operate within littoral areas". Inherent in this definition is the ability to assure access at the time of our choosing, for the duration of our choosing. Operational forces are the enabling elements, and naval forces must assure access to the sea, space, and cyberspace domains or risk jeopardizing our vital national interests. Historical precedent indicates that the success or failure of naval forces to assure access to these domains has non-linear effects upon the success or failure of the campaign, with both theater and national strategic implications. For naval forces, the interdependence of the three domains requires their combined assured access in order to maximize the probability and timeliness of successful combat operations. The implication for operational commanders is the necessity to have the correct capability and amount of forces to conduct sustained operations in the littorals Information or knowledge superiority will give the commander a clear advantage in battlespace awareness and is best facilitated by a close proximity to the battlespace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378710
Entities
People
- William J. Nieusma
Organizations
- Naval War College