Power Projection Ashore: An Expanding Problem for the Joint Force Commander
Abstract
As military planners consider regional security challenges in the 21st century, the need to project power ashore remains a critical requirement, but the means of doing so must adapt to a rapidly changing operational environment. Concepts that assume the landing force can launch from just over the horizon are being challenged as weapon and targeting systems become more capable, and access to space and cyber domains proliferates. Among the growing list of new challenges to that Joint Forces face, anti-access missile technologies pose a significant asymmetric threat. As these technologies mature, they will continue to transform the operational factors of time, space and force, placing the landing force increasingly at a disadvantage. Consequently, the paradigm of a contested beach landing site must be revisited as nations pursue anti-access capabilities that challenge naval and air forces at ever greater ranges. In several potential theaters of operation, hostile action against power projection forces is likely to begin far from the landing site. Naval and air forces must be prepared to operate in increasingly hostile sea lanes far from the objective area, while the landing force must be able to launch, land and sustain itself without the benefit of complete air and sea control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535593
Entities
People
- James C. Lewis
Organizations
- Naval War College