Merchant Marine Seamen Shortage and Its Impact Upon Strategic Sealift
Abstract
The current National Security Policy's broad purpose is to ensure that the U.S. maintains the capability to meet sealift requirements in the event of a crises or war. Can the United States win different types of future conflicts using only the existing numbers of merchant seamen? Definitely no is the answer, mainly due to past conflicts (Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, and in our own Merchant Marine Exercises) The problem also expands to our Maritime shipping laws which hamper our shipping industry and recruitment of Merchant Marine Seamen. This policy must be adjusted to account for not only change here in the state's but also a global change. Numerous laws and policy changes have been attempted but to no avail, you must have the complete backing of Congress to enact this all to important legislation. This study will examine the history, laws and existing merchant fleet in order to find the specific problems and offer adequate solutions. The security of the United States and it's allies depends on a capable and effective merchant marine. Our country's ability to transport the necessary force to conduct large scale theater or theaters of operation is critical for us to defeat the enemy. The merchant marine must be included in this Strategic Triad. Our nation must rally behind the Merchant Marine Seamen in order to address their problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401051
Entities
People
- Edward J. Fisher
Organizations
- United States Army War College