New Ideas In Gaining Military Access

摘要

Presence and access have long been operational goals of the United States in areas of strategic interest. Yet, access is by no means assured, and may be markedly hindered by the degradation of major ports due to chemical attack, mining, or destruction of port facilities. Further, access to satellite launch facilities may also become problematic because of potential launch site backlogs during a crisis. Solutions to these problems might include using some of the methods and technologies that have been developed outside of the Department of Defense (DOD). Therefore, the thesis of this paper is that through an examination of alternative man time technologies and methods, the researcher may be able to present options to the combatant commander that can improve access ahead of time. Operations including devices such as multi-purpose buoy systems, fixed ocean stations, oil industry support vessels and semi- submersibles are examined and debated with regard to their feasibility in performing or aiding in future missions. Specifically, tasks such as: improving entree into emergency ports; facilitating logistics over the shore operations; area control over oceanic oil fields; and network centric operations (e.g., real time weather information, early warning, and emergency satellite launch) are addressed.