Better Lucky Than Good? How can a Joint Force Commander Improve the Probability of Achieving Assured Access and Maritime Freedom of Action when Challenged by a Submarine Threat in a Contested Littoral?
Abstract
A joint force commander (JFC) operating in a littoral region requires assured access and maritime freedom of action to effectively and fully employ the capabilities of a joint/multinational force. The United States and its multinational partners must be ready to encounter a formidable submarine threat operating in challenging littoral waterspace across the globe. Antisubmarine warfare (ASW) is a vital core military function, which must be effectively performed to achieve sea control and enable joint operations. Many potential ASW improvement measures stem from a thoughtful evaluation and then application of the tenets of operational art. This paper deconstructs the complex problem of ASW by analyzing the six operational functions individually, across related functions and as a whole. The analysis uncovers challenges and issues, while providing proposed operational solutions that can be applied at the JFC level. Optimizing operating concepts and applying a total force approach (joint and multinational) to the problem, while simultaneously taking advantage of new technology and improved resources will improve the ability of the United States and its partners to effectively command the maritime domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476481
Entities
People
- Jeffrey W. Hughes
Organizations
- Naval War College