Striking First...Mine Warfare Goes on the Offensive.

摘要

The indiscriminate laying of sea mines in international waters is an act of war waged by terrorist groups and non-state actors. If the United States is going to successfully counter this act of overt aggression and be successful in future conflicts which involve the illegal use of mines, it must deter the belligerent through political, diplomatic, and if necessary, physical force. History is replete with examples of the effective use of sea mines to deter, alter or counter enemy forces. In today's environment, mines have been used more as an act of terror than a legal weapon of war. Historically, the U.S. Navy has shown a reluctance to adequately fund and appreciate the value of an aggressive countermine force. As a result, U.S. and coalition forces have been needlessly subjected to higher risks, delayed or altered battle plans and operationally limited in their course of action. Once mines are placed in the water the belligerents have gained the strategic, operational and tactical upper hand. From a time, space and force standpoint, the combination of U.S. mine countermeasures and allied forces is marginally sufficient to counter this threat and enable the naval commander the ability to effectively 'control the sea.' This should be the siren call to all naval commanders. Unless the United States leads the way in treating the indiscriminate laying of mines in international waters as an act of war, the United States and its allies will not be able to project forces ashore or control the seas without encountering considerable risks. The time is now to set the stage for new international laws regarding mine warfare, redefine rules of engagement, break down inter-service politics, educate the media, and build coalition support. The U.S. needs to muster the political will to strike first or suffer the consequences from a military and economic standpoint.