Naval Surface Force Protection in the Long War: A Consideration of the Anti-Access Threat

摘要

21st century Operational Commanders are required to project and sustain the Joint Force in distant anti-access environments. Naval surface forces are the most viable method of access by virtue of their ability to place the Joint Force within range of mission requirements through free transit of international waters. Potential adversaries possess three widely proliferated and highly effective means of denying access to naval surface forces: sea mines, cruise missiles, and diesel electric submarines. Current doctrine is insufficient to counter these threats in the littoral. This paper examines anti- access strategies and the challenges of operating naval surface forces forward in the littoral. Threats are discussed in depth to include illustrative historical examples, weapon-specific assessment of operational threat, and scrutiny of current operational doctrine. Finally, the paper considers current debate concerning access denial and develops recommendations for how best to prepare the Joint Operational Commander and naval surface forces to confront and defeat the anti-access threat.