Systems Approach to Defeating Maritime Improvised Explosive Devices in U.S. Ports

摘要

Insight gained from terrorist attacks, training exercises, and intelligence intercepts over the past few years has shown a renewed interest in the use of mining as an effective means of disrupting commerce and damaging critical infrastructure. In an attempt to develop a system-of-systems architecture to defeat mines and Maritime IEDs (MIED), the project team developed several system alternatives, or Adaptive Force Packages, that incorporate both existing systems and emerging technologies. Overall performance was assessed using a U.S. Joint Forces Command sponsored war game simulating an MIED attack on ports based on the geography of Seattle and Tacoma. A critical analysis of the alternatives based on performance, suitability, cost, and risk were carried out. The study results showed that increases in performance are attainable with mixed results in cost and risk, and highlighted necessary actions and considerations that must be taken by military and civilian leaders to adequately prepare for and counter MIEDs in U.S. Ports.