Developing Soft Power Using Afloat Medical Capability

Abstract

Afloat medical capability in the form of hospitals ships and large amphibious ships are actively used to support the National Defense Strategy through the combatant commanders Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Program in their area of responsibility. The TSC program is designed to strengthen ties to allied countries and improve interoperability. In 2007, the Navy published its maritime strategy with a theme of "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower." Its expanded maritime strategic core capabilities include forces that can respond to humanitarian assistance if natural or manmade disasters strike. This paper will show why these afloat medical capability platforms could significantly contribute to the U.S. national interests in the 21st century security environment using soft power. The author also analyzes why amphibious deck ships can also be an alternative to the hospital ships.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 02, 2009
Accession Number
ADA500907

Entities

People

  • Edilberto M. Salenga

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amphibious Operations
  • Amphibious Ships
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Disasters
  • Health Services
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Interagency Coordination
  • International Organizations
  • Landing Craft
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • Therapy
  • United States Southern Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.