Achieving Maritime Superiority in an Era of Change.

摘要

In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War a reassessment is underway regarding all aspects of American military strategy and force structure. Although naval force structure is being reduced due to fiscal pressures and a lessened Soviet threat, the requirements for forward presence and regional sea control remain valid. The Navy's task is made more complicated by the increasing military capabilities of regional powers and an unwillingness on the part of American national decision makers to relinquish global naval presence. This paper includes a discussion of the Bush Administration's military strategy, the changing threat, and the difficulties faced by the Navy in adapting to the new environment. It also includes a review of three alternative options for achieving maritime superiority in an era of a smaller United States naval force structure. The conclusions reached are that the requirement for maritime superiority remains but that a change in habits of mind will be necessary to achieve it.