Forward Presence: U.S. Naval Forces Meet the Challenge

摘要

As the world becomes increasingly international, the United States remains engaged in regions where U.S. interests are involved. U.S. military forces are one tool used to shape the security environment and, when necessary, to respond to crises when shaping fails. This paper examines the requirement for military forces present forward and the role that U.S. Naval Forces play in accomplishing the mission of forward presence. It reviews the available National guidance, identifies present and future Naval forward-presence platforms and capabilities, and explores alternatives to the use of Naval assets in conducting forward presence roles. This study assumes that all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will participate in conducting forward presence operations. However, only Naval assets can passively operate in a non-permissive environment. The Air Force would have to fly long distances or establish a base near the region of instability, which would require host nation permission. Similarly, the Army would require permission before inserting a land force. Afloat Naval assets are sovereign territories of the United States. They can remain in international waters and still fulfill their presence role. No permission from or concessions to a host nation are required. This unique capability ensures that the Navy/ Marine Corps team will always be involved in conducting forward presence.