Force Protection: A Need Not a Want

Abstract

Since President George Bush announced an end to major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been several thousand combat-related casualties in both countries. The combat losses from insurgent Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (RAM) attacks are extremely high. Second to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), RAM attacks constitute the largest cause of all Soldiers Killed in Action (KIA) and/or Wounded in Action (WIA). Insurgent RAM attacks have the potential to create a national notable event if a direct hit on a high-density troop location occurs. "Consolidating soldier services in one location, like a large dining facility, enhances physical security but also presents unique target opportunities." To mitigate a future scenario like this, and save the lives of many American servicemen and women, the Marine Corps must incorporate the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (CRAM) system into the Marine Air and Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to maximize their force protection capabilities during expeditionary operations. This paper will address the need for a C-RAM system in the Marine Corps by evaluating the current enemy threat, future enemy threat, C-RAM system capabilities, its feasibility, and its integration into the current structured force.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 07, 2006
Accession Number
ADA504015

Entities

People

  • Mason Moore

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Artillery
  • Command And Control
  • Counter Rocket, Artillery, And Mortor
  • Defense Systems
  • Employment
  • Explosive Devices
  • Force Protection
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Lessons Learned
  • Marine Corps
  • Security
  • Short Range Air Defense
  • Training
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.