Changing of the Guard: Restoring Regional Access Despite the Theater Ballistic Missile Threat

Abstract

Over the last decade, the threats to U.S. forces and allies from countries that can employ large quantities of theater ballistic missiles (TBMs) during regional, anti-access operations have increased significantly. TBMs threaten traditional U.S. strengths of maritime dominance and air superiority while limiting power projection capabilities. This paper proposes the use of guided missile submarines (SSGNs) and low observable surface vessels (LOSVs) to restore access and provide sufficient time for force buildup during phase II operations before decisively engaging the enemy during phase III. It demonstrates that the application of operational art with the reliance on the principles of maneuver and concealment will enable theater commanders to deploy a countervailing strategy against the TBM threat and restore regional power balances. Finally, the paper draws conclusions concerning the effectiveness of current BMD systems during an anti-access campaign, and recommends a review of DOD's current "one shot, one kill" interceptor strategy and provides guidance for the best placement of theater interceptors.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 04, 2009
Accession Number
ADA503078

Entities

People

  • Christopher J. Polk

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Cooperative Engagement Capability
  • Defense Systems
  • Guided Missiles
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Maneuvers
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • Rockets
  • Short Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Theater Ballistic Missiles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies