Using Space Forces as Military Flexible Deterrent Options

Abstract

The deployment and employment of space systems has had a profound affect on the current and future conduct of warfare by the armed forces of the United States. Although the origins of U.S. space forces date back to the early 1960s, exploitation of these systems has been limited to force enhancement of terrestrial combat forces. The United States does not possess an ability to apply force from space, however current and future space platforms can support National Military Strategy in ways other than force enhancement. This paper examines the use of space forces as flexible deterrent options (FDO) to coerce the behavior of a potential adversary. Space forces, due to their inherent flexibility and combat enhancing functions, could prove an effective contributing FDO in conjunction with other diplomatic, economic, informational or military options. These space force FDOs should be include in future joint warfighting doctrine and made applicable to current and future joint operations. Military strategy is the art and science of employing the armed forces of a nation to secure the objectives of national policy by application of force or the threat of force. As a nation, we looked to the threat of force as an effective deterrent to potential aggressors;however, we also possess the military might to accomplish the stated objectives should deterrence fail. Deterrence, across all mediums of conflict, is a psychological communication to a potential adversary allowing them to conclude that aggressive action will fail and the consequences outweigh the benefits. Military forces contribute significantly to deterrence by presenting visible evidence of their ability to defeat aggression, including the ability to act globally, rapidly, and decisively in conjunction with indigenous military forces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA476758

Entities

People

  • David C. Johnson

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Combat Forces
  • Communication Satellites
  • Deployment
  • Military Satellites
  • Military Strategy
  • Navigation
  • Satellite Communications
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Force
  • Space Systems
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space