Manpower Issues Involving Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS)
Abstract
Nearly all Cruiser Destroyer (CRUDES) ships deploy through potential piracy areas in the five-million square mile Fifth Fleet domain, which is why all Navy warships maintain Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) shipboard teams. This research analyzed advantages and disadvantages of the VBSS structure including alternative approaches to how the Navy could train, certify and deploy VBSS teams, e.g., Fifth Fleet detachments. Ship's company VBSS teams face an unattractive tradeoff during deployment concentrate on Navy Enlisted Code (NEC) and ratings training, and prioritize VBSS team-training. School-house training and certification are crucial yet insufficient for maintaining team-performance in accordance with required occupational capabilities (ROC) requirements. Using VBSS detachments would reduce the total number of personnel needed to accomplish the VBSS mission. If converting to detachments is improbable, then Navy Commanding Officers could better support their VBSS mission by prioritizing team training before and during deployment. US Marines, already well-trained and embarked on amphibious ships could also accomplish this mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561868
Entities
People
- Emory A. Rank
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School