Anti-Access/Area Denial: Time To Ditch the Bumper Sticker?

Abstract

Anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) has been a key driver of discussion on the operational level of war for several years. In the use of this phrase, there are underlying assumptions that do not necessarily serve the goal of finding the best ways to operate and win wars in the future. This paper challenges the assumption that A2/AD is a new way of war. It then argues that A2/AD encourages symmetrical capabilities-based solutions at the expense of operational solutions. Finally, it challenges the underlying assumption that access has been lost to the extent that the name applies. Then the paper draws conclusions concerning the usefulness of using the A2/AD lens for solving today's operational problems, and recommends steps toward answering the significant challenges that anti-access threats pose.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 20, 2013
Accession Number
ADA583352

Entities

People

  • Matthew E. Davin

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Defense
  • Area Denial
  • Attack Submarines
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Cold War
  • Countermeasures
  • Department Of Defense
  • Interdiction
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Strategy
  • Navy
  • Procurement
  • Sea Control
  • Security
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.