U.S. Strategic Mobility Posture -- A Critical Factor to Support National Security Objectives.

摘要

There have been numerous studies of strategic mobility from the 1981 Congressionally Mandated Mobility Study (CMMS) to those of the subjects of sealift, airlift with the case for the C-17, the precipitous decline of the merchant marine, and the capability of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). More recent studies have addressed future requirements for strategic mobility in the wake of changes in the former Soviet Union and Europe, a reduced forward presence, and successes in the Gulf War. The consensus on strategic mobility is that it continues to be a cornerstone to success. This study addresses strategic mobility operations; however, it does not dwell on past issues that are crucial to strategic mobility but have become axiomatic to the overall mobility debate. It assesses strategic mobility capability in light of events that affect mobility planning of the future. The first is the 1992 Mobility Requirements Study -future mobility requirements are not demand driven, but based on scenarios and acceptable risks. The next is national security strategy and its focus on regional contingencies and CONUS-based forces. Finally, it addresses the 1993 budget which earmarks $3 billion for sealift to build, buy, or modify cargo vessels.