NATO Regional Capacity Building: The Foundation for Success in the Counter-Piracy Campaign
Abstract
Operation Ocean Shield (OOS) is a demonstration of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) ongoing commitment to countering piracy. Unlike preceding operations-Operations Allied Protector and Allied Provider, OOS has broadened its scope to include capacity building of regional naval forces as one of its objectives. NATO capacity building efforts seek to enable regional partners to effectively counter piracy and to facilitate the transition of responsibility for counter-piracy operations to these states. However, current NATO efforts in capacity building are falling short of this goal. Capacity building of regional naval forces only includes training and occurs infrequently-during pre-scheduled port visits. In order to achieve its objectives, NATO should create a naval training center that develops the capacity of regional naval forces, facilitates dialogue and cooperation, and utilizes existent frameworks. This paper examines these three areas and offers ways in which a NATO naval training center could provide assistance to regional partners, specifically African nations, in developing the requisite capacity to counter piracy and to facilitate the transition of its mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546128
Entities
People
- Barrett J. Smith
Organizations
- Naval War College