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Managing Change: Converting the Defense Industry
"Defense conversion is a part of the changing defense industrial posture. It brings the issue of governmental industrial policy into conflict with America's historical opposition to central planning. This research paper explores the issue from the perspective of commercial firms' strategic planning process and the structural, political, human resource, and symbolic frames of Bolman and Deal's organization behavior theory. The multitude of stakeholders requires an integrated perspective and policies which simultaneously satisfy the goals of the stakeholders in each frame. Congress established the Defense Conversion Commission to recommend actions and policies for this effort. It concluded that conversion does not pose extraordinary problems for the nation. It recommends coordinated planning for integrated federal, state, and local programs (most already in existence) and management by the Executive Office of the President. This research paper concludes that the defense conversion effort is actually a transition which isn't extraordinary when compared with previous efforts. Normal economic restructuring is taking place and government's safety net is in place. It's manageable but requires an integrated, high-level manager. The political pressures to answer vested interests' demands for special attention is potentially costly and misguided. Alas, actual plant conversion is a myth and a fad which should not be a major government or public focus. However, when it's defined as shifting people, skills, technology, equipment and facilities into alternative economic applications, it is very important that it be done right in order to preserve our national security and maintain the capability to reconstitute or mobilize in a national emergency."
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
Sparks, Larry A.
1993-04
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Impact of the Defense Budgeting Process on Operational Readiness
"This thesis will examine the Department of Defense Planning System, past, present, and one of the many alternatives proposed for the future. Emphasis will be placed on the impact the present planning system has on near- term warfighting capabilities. The present system, centered in the Pentagon, has a time horizon of 5 to 15 years. Emphasis is placed on planning future programs and addressing outyear costs and capabilities; near-term warfighting capabilities may not receive the attention necessary to achieve current combat readiness. It is the contention of this thesis that in conjunction with reforms implemented to enhance the responsibility and authority of the unified and specified commands, the resource allocation process must also be changed to provide this level of management direct control of resources to meet the acquisition and operational needs necessary to achieve mission objectives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Turley, Leslie S.
1993-03
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Paradigm Found - The Nuclear and Nonlinear Battlefields
From the thesis abstract: "This monograph explores the similarity between the nuclear battlefield of the Pentomic Era and the nonlinear battlefield described in TRADOC [U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command] Pamphlet 525- 5 AirLand Operations: A Concept for the ~volution of AirLand Battle for the Strateqic Armv of the 1990's and Beyond. This concept is based on the assumption that future battlefields will be nonlinear (more open, less dense). Since the ideas in this pamphlet will guide developments in doctrine, organization, training, materiel, and leader and soldier development, examining this nonlinear battlefield is important. Many aspects of the Pentomic Era's nuclear battlefield are similar to the nonlinear battlefield. If a strong enough connection can be made between the two, some of the nuclear battlefield's testing and analysis data could be used to guide future nonlinear battlefield analysis. The methodology used for objectively determining similarity between the two battlefields is based on comparing the nonlinear battlefield described in TRADOC Pamphlet 525-5 to the nuclear battlefield described in various Pentomic Era books, articles, and studies. The test criteria are: battlefield characteristics (descriptive aspects which set the battlefield apart from preceding descriptions); battlefield relationships (relationships between activities, friendly and enemy forces, and combat and sustainment forces); and combat power dynamics (from FM 100-5 Operations -maneuver, firepower, protection, and leadership). Additionally, the Soviet view of the nonlinear/nuclear battlefield relationship is discussed as further evidence linking the two battlefield descriptions. Finally, the monograph ends with comments on the utility of studying military history."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
LeGare, J. Marc
1993-02-04
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Establishment of a Permanent Joint Task Force Headquarters: An Analysis of Sourcing a Command and Control Structure Capable of Executing Forced Entry Contingency Operations
From the thesis abstract: "The demise of the former Soviet Union, while bringing about the end to the Cold War, has not resulted in a concurrent decrease in regional military confrontations. In many respects, today's global environment is much more volatile and fragile than that of the bi-polar era. It is within this environment that the United States must remain poised and ready to rapidly project forced entry military capability. This study investigates and analyzes the current and projected capabilities of the U.S. military to establish and deploy and joint task force headquarters capable of planning and executing these complicated operations. Conclusions reached as a result of this study point to the need to permanently establish a single joint task force headquarters which can serve as a rapidly expanded nucleus for the designated JTF [joint task force] commander. This finding echoes that of Holloway Commission's 1980 report on the failure of the Iranian hostage rescue which found than an existing JTF organization, even if it were small and had few permanent members assigned, would provide an organization with the required expertise which could serve as the nucleus for a larger force upon activation."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Henchen, Michael L.
1993
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Limitations to the Establishment of an Arms Supplier Regime
"The world today is fraught with weapons displaying ever increasing capabilities to destroy. These weapons are not just nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons of mass destruction most focused on by those concerned with proliferation. The advanced conventional weaponry currently transferred to the Third World creates new capabilities and new threats. The 1991 war in the Persian Gulf illuminated for the international community the inherent danger of this proliferation. Unfortunately, many drew the wrong lesson from the Gulf War. This lesson was that weapons transfers should be severely restrained or eliminated in order to fight proliferation and bring peace, stability, and economic development to the Third World. This harkens back to the mid to late-1970s debate on the failed arms transfer restraint policy of the Carter administration."
Air Force Institute of Technology (U.S.)
Hallman, Wesley P.
1993
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Army and Military in Space
"Desert Storm provided the medium to focus the effects of space operations on military capabilities. Awareness of the added dimension of space to the battlefield was heightened throughout the defense community as well as the public and commercial sectors. The above quotation takes on a broader context and greater importance as we begin to apply the possibilities that space-based systems extend to our military capabilities. Land Force Dominance, replacing Air Land Battle Doctrine, requires the integration of many systems, space-related systems have become key and critical to the successful application of this concept. Space-based systems provide a force multiplying effect that cannot and must not go unharnessed. 'Technical advances in space systems are reaching a point where the outcome of theater conventional conflict may be decided in favor of the side best able to control space or deny its effective use to an adversary.'"
Army War College (U.S.)
Heuser, Gary E.
1993
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Theater Ballistic Missile Defenses: An Emerging Role for the Navy?
"The end of the Cold War has brought about significant changes in the international and national security environments that present tremendous implications for the US military. The strategic threat of global nuclear war has diminished considerably. While that threat is diminished, an [sic] new threat is emerging. Ballistic missile proliferation and related weapons of mass destruction are one of the major threats to stability in the new security environment. Ballistic missile systems are seen as destabilizing weapons that are a threat to regional peace and American vital interests in certain regions. This thesis addresses the possible need for theater ballistic missile defenses in the US Navy as one element of a national strategy to defeat ballistic missiles in future regional conflicts. Specifically, it addresses the naval role for ballistic missile defenses, including an analysis of the present and future threat, an examination of how the missile defenses dovetail into the national security strategy of regional contingencies, and the means by which the defenses can be employed. The issue of the threat involves demonstrating that a threat presently exists and that technological improvements in the future will greatly increase their utility and put many more targets, including US Navy ships, at risk. The issue of the role that missile defenses fill in the national security strategy deals with their contributions to the fundamental pillars of that strategy. The issue of naval roles addresses the missions and tasks that a sea-based system can provide across the spectrum of naval warfare. The means which the defenses can be employed is addressed to demonstrate how the US Navy can be a major contributor using the Aegis construct."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Pitts, James E.
1992-12
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Germany and the Future of Nuclear Deterrence in Europe
"The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the unification of Germany have fundamentally changed the politics of security in Europe. This thesis analyzes German perspectives on the international security environment and offers judgements [sic] about the probable future role of nuclear deterrence in Europe. The thesis begins with a survey of the role of nuclear deterrence in the security policy of the Federal Republic of Germany during the period prior to reunification in 1989- 1990. This is followed by an analysis of German views on the West European nuclear powers: the United Kingdom and France. German views on the U.S. nuclear presence and U.S. commitments to Europe are then examined. German views on nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union and the potential for proliferation on Europe's periphery complete the survey. For the short term, Germany will not change its present policies regarding nuclear deterrence in Europe. The German nation is likely to remain preoccupied with the reunification process for several years, and German politicians are not disposed to seek a debate on nuclear deterrence. The Germans generally consider Britain and France incapable of providing adequate nuclear protection for the Federal Republic in the near term, so the Germans will continue to rely on the United States for a nuclear guarantee."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gunning, Edward G., Jr.
1992-12
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Deterrence during Hostilities: A New 'Triad' for the Middle East
"Due to the presence of weapons of mass destruction and the will to employ them in the Middle East, the operational commander of the next conflict must understand and employ a new deterrent triad. This triad is composed of the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of deterrence. Current Marine, Army, and Air Force doctrine naturally support it. However, to work, it must be intelligently orchestrated--it will not happen just because the doctrine supports it. As the warfighting professional, the operational commander must conduct future campaigns with an integral, multi-level deterrent focus. It will be his responsibility to maintain a viable force in theater, and thus it will be his responsibility to execute the new triad for the Middle East. A deterrent concept which must be executed at the operational level to protect forces."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Baumgartner, Michael J.
1992-11-13
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National Strategy, Future Threats and Defense Spending
"In the early 1990's, the world has seen unprecedented changes in the global security environment that have drastically altered the balance of power, and the manner in which nations of the world interact. The evolving international security environment has significant implications for the use of United States military forces in support of national strategic objectives. In the last two year, the world has seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Simply stated, the paradigm has broken. The comfortable, albeit dangerous, post-World War II world that we lived in has become more uncertain and unstable. This study investigates the national security strategy of the United States by identifying threats to our interests, our military forces and their employment and current defense budget trends. Using this as a baseline, projections are made concerning the future security requirements. Post-Cold War national interests are discussed, future threats identified and budget adjustments developed."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Gerstein, Daniel M.
1992-11-09
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Computer Security and Concepts and Issues in the Infomation Technology Management (370) Curriculum
"DoD [Department of Defense] has become increasingly dependent upon storing its sensitive information in electronic form and has a deep concern for the integrity and privacy of this valuable information. In the recent aftermath of numerous electronic break-ins, the DoD continues to express anxiety over technically weak system administrators' inability to protect sensitive electronic information. The solution to minimizing these electronic intrusions and bolstering computer security in DoD is to educate military officers and federal civilians in the methods of computer security. This can be accomplished by integrating concepts and problem solving techniques related to computer security into the Information Technology Management (370) Curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Vaughn, Reginald Wayne
1992-09
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Problem of Theater Ballistic Missiles: Unresolved Dilemma for the Operational Commander
"This essay analyzes ballistic missiles as warfighting tools that exponentially compound the planning efforts of operational military commanders. Despite an all out effort by the United States military during the war against Iraq, unsophisticated Iraqi mobile SCUDs managed to evade targeting, preemptive strikes, and airborne intercepts. Although no U.S. troops were exposed to nuclear, biological or chemical attack from ballistic missiles during the 1991 war, the growing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles combined with the ghastly potential for massive casualties argues for renewed efforts to defend U.S. forces against this potent threat. Ballistic missiles as warfighting tools that compound the planning efforts of operational commanders."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Carey, John E.
1992-06-19
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Legal Use of Terror as a Weapon
"This study investigates the legal use of terror as a weapon to accomplish national goals and objectives. This study does not advocate using terrorism. Terrorism, for the purpose of this paper, is illegal. Legal terror, by my criteria, conforms to the standard-is of the laws of land warfare. Specific criteria are established to define what constitutes using legal terror as a weapon. These criteria are used to analyze specific case studies to determine if the United States has used legal terror in the past. There are two major factors in defining legal terror. First, the target must be legally viable as defined by the laws of land warfare. Secondly, the method of engaging that target must also conform to the laws of war. The conclusion of this study is that legal terror is a legitimate weapon. It has been used in the past and will probably be used in the future."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Hogg, David R.
1992-06-05
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Analysis of the Execution of Counter-Drug Strategy in Bolivia Using the Low Intensity Conflict Imperatives
From the thesis abstract: "This study investigates the actions of U.S. military personnel conducting the counter-drug mission in Bolivia in accordance with the Bolivian/U.S. Counter-Drug Strategy. The analysis determines if U.S. personnel, in executing their mission, are complying with the low intensity conflict (LIC) imperatives. These imperatives are (1) political dominance, (2) adaptability, (3) unity of effort, (4) legitimacy, and (5) perseverance. The study used Operations 'Blast Furnace' and 'Snowcap' conducted in 1986 and 1989 respectively as illustrutative [sic] examples to analyze the execution of the counter-drug mission. The LIC imperatives are the doctrinally approved 'truths' acknowledged as essential to the successful planning and execution of LIC operations which are: insurgency-counterinsurgency, peacekeeping operations, combatting [sic] terrorism, and peacetime contingency operations. The counter-drug mission is a subset of peacetime contingency operations; therefore, the analysis provides a validation of the imperatives as an analytical tool. The study concluded that U.S. personnel did not comply with the LIC imperatives. The failure to comply has a direct correlation to the failure to stop the flow of cocaine from Bolivia."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
de la Peña, Sergio
1992-06-05
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Deterrence and the Impact of Strategic Defense
"This paper examines the role of strategic defense in a deterrence strategy. Deterrence theory, strategic defense, the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, the national military strategy, and Global Protection Against Limited Strikes (GPALS) are reviewed. It is asserted that the roles of nuclear forces and strategic defense are complimentary and stabilizing. The options to counter the threat of future proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of accidental or unauthorized launch of ballistic missiles are examined with the conclusion that a comprehensive defense is necessary."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Lunghofer, Dennis M.
1992-06-01
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Investigation into Islamic Fundamentalism and an Assessment of Its Relationship with the Concept of Jihad
"Islamic fundamentalism and Jihad are terms which have become prominent over the last two decades but are frequently misunderstood as concepts. Fundamentalism essentially means reviving Islam with its original pure principles as outlined by Mohammad and as demonstrated by his own example. Jihad means active struggle in the path of Allah both against evil and against enemies who threaten Islam. Fundamentalism is a recurring theme in Islam which is a religion of continual renewal. Frequent attempts have been made to cleanse Islam of the potential impurities of mysticism and the secular influences of nationalism and modernization. Sunni and Shia fundamentalist movements present interesting contrasts as exemplified by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Khomeini in Iran. The Sunnis have acted as a transnational 'conscience' of Islam without gaining power. The Shia appeal to emotion, through re-enactment of dramatic history, inspired fanatical martyrdom and produced a remarkable revolution."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Campbell, Alastair
1992-06
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Interagency Cooperation in the War on Drugs: Can Campaign Planning Be the Unifying Factor?
From the thesis abstract: "This monograph analyzes the potential of the military campaign planning process to unify the national interagency counternarcotics effort. Currently, DoD's antinarcotics mission includes the detection and monitoring of the aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs into the United States, and the integration of command, control, communications, and intelligence, (C3I) into an effective communications network. DoD also provides manpower and equipment resources to support the interdiction efforts of law enforcement agencies both in the United States and overseas. The military campaign planning has been posited as a method to foster interagency unity and to bridge the gap between the national counternarcotics strategy and the tactical level of the drug war. The potential of the campaign planning process to unify interagency counternarcotics efforts is the focus for the monograph. The paper also weighs the merits of DoD assuming a more active role in coordinating interagency campaign planning. The study establishes the context of United States military participation in the drug war by describing examples of previous and evolving military involvement. Current initiatives to improve interagency cooperation and to broaden the scope of military participation are also examined. Two campaign planning models are analyzed to show the adaptability of the campaign planning process to the drug war."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Mason, Bradley J.
1992-05-22
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Submarine's Role in Future Naval Warfare
"The three basic elements where we traditionally commence strategic planning have changed dramatically in the past two years. A new national security strategy recasts the roles and missions of the armed forces in new terms. The submarine force needs to be justified under the new grammar for warfare as a part of the four new mission areas under the new national military strategy. The submarine force alone can perform the strategic deterrence and defense missions. The submarine's role in presence involves a high/low mix choice. There should be increased emphasis on the submarine force for crisis response: (1) rapid response (2) shore bombardment and strike (3) as the initial leading maritime component for second major regional contingencies, and (4) initial and limited sea control. A European regional war evolving out of a major regional contingency is not the same thing as the old European-centered global war with the USSR. Decreased emphasis should be placed on strategic anti- submarine warfare. Reconstitution goals could be met with at-sea nuclear weapons."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Department of National Security Affairs
Tritten, James John
1992-05-12
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Narcoterrorism - A Threat to the United States?
From the thesis abstract: "Today, we see the demise of communism, the hope for a 'new world order,' and the realization of peace in the world. A dark cloud pervades this state of euphoria. It is the result of the War On Drugs. The purpose of this paper is to show that narcoterrorism is a threat to the United States. Colombia is used as a focal point for the study due the significant role it plays in the American drug war. The paper considers the supply and demand side of the drug problem. It looks at the relationship between terrorism and insurgency. The paper defines narcoterrorism to be the use of terror by narcotraffickers to coerce or intimidate a sovereign government to obtain an objective or end result. It examines the interests of the U.S. at stake in the drug war as well as those Colombian interests that the drug war threatens. A part of this examination is to determine which are a vital interest to us and which are threatened."
Army War College (U.S.)
Webb, Patrick F.
1992-04-21
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Is There a Future Role for Tactical Nuclear Weapon Systems in the National Military Strategy?
"The disintegration of the Former Soviet Union and the demise of the Warsaw Pact as significant threats to national security allowed President Bush to promulgate new defense policy initiatives impacting nuclear force capabilities and roles. Because of this threat reduction and domestic challenges, the United States' armed services will undergo significant downsizing in the next several years. This will affect the force structure needed in the National Military Strategy (NMS) to insure attainment of national security policy objectives while minimizing risk. Planning the size and capabilities of the future force structure is complicated because of uncertainties in discerning new emerging nuclear-capable threats. This paper reviews die purpose and role that tactical nuclear weapon systems can provide in supporting the NMS, and recommends requirements be determined using a strategy based upon political, economic and military national interests versus the current target-based strategy. To draw implication for the NMS, the analysis reviews current strategic policy guidance, summarizes the current definition of deterrence theory, and provides rationales for maintaining tactical nuclear weapon systems for deterrence and warfighting in regional contingency operations again nuclear-capable forces. Based upon this analysis, recommendations are provided for joint planning, doctrine, and training initiatives needed to enhance the efficacy of the armed services in achieving national security policy objectives."
Army War College (U.S.)
Stobbs, Emmett E. Jr.
1992-04-03
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Unleashing 'High-Tech' Weaponry in the Drug War: Posse Comitatus, the Fourth Amendment and Enhanced Sensing
Thesis, 40th Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course
From the abstract:
"Congress created a sketchy exception to the Posse Comitatus Act's prohibition on military law enforcement for drug interdiction. The resulting legislative patchwork broadly authorizes use of military equipment and personnel for law enforcement, but unnecessarily restricts the most beneficial uses of sophisticated remote sensing hardware by forbidding direct participation in a search. The war on drugs will not succeed unless Congress, the Department of Defense, and the courts replace the statute, its regulations and the Fourth Amendment law it incorporates."
Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (United States. Army)
Rishel, Eric C.
1992-04-01
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Theater Strategic Appraisal for South America
"U.S. National Security Strategy supports the accomplishment of the following objectives in South America (SA): (1) Deter aggression against our allies and friends in SA in terms of the Rio Treaty; (2) Counter terrorist threats to U.S. citizens and commercial interests in SA short of armed conflict; (3) Prevent, or at least limit, the transfer of militarily critical technologies by Brazil and Argentina, particularly the spread of missile and/or nuclear technology; (4) Reduce the growth and export to the United States of illegal drugs, most notably cocaine, and work with SA governments to combat drug traffickers; (5) maintain access to SA markets and energy/mineral resources; (6) Continue to encourage the development of free-market economies in SA; (7) Achieve cooperative solutions to the environmental challenges of the Amazon Rain Forest, industrial pollution, and exploitation of Antarctica; (8) Establish a more balanced partnership with South American allies, while providing leadership and ensuring hemispheric stability during the transition period; (9) Strengthen the Organization of American States (OAS) to promote diplomatic solutions to regional disputes; (10) Deter regional military powers, such as Brazil, from seeking regional dominance or initiating internecine warfare; (11) Aid in warding off threats to democratic institutions in SA from subversion, insurgencies, military takeover, or lawlessness; and (12) Promote economic development and social/political progress in SA."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Gay, Mark P.
1992-04
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Comparative Evaluation of Computer Access Controls
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis reports the results of a study which tested participants' abilities to recall five different types of computer passwords. Each participant was assigned in a randomized procedure to one of six response intervals. Recall testing of computer-generated passwords, user-created passwords, passphrases, associative passwords and cognitive passwords was conducted using a computer program which simulated system log-on procedures. This study indicates the relative merits of these five password types are more difficult to distinguish when data are collected in the realistic setting of a log-on simulation instead of via paper surveys, as was done in previous research."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Pence, Timothy B.
1992-03
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Design and Implementation of ZTRAX: A Training, Readiness and Flight Hour Relational Database Management Tracking System
"In an era of diminishing budgets, information technology must help direct operational commanders in the maximum utilization of their available resources. The institution of a relational database management system to identify and exploit an organization's strengths will aid in keeping forces combat ready at all times. The design and implementation of ZTRAX; a training, readiness and flight hour relational database management system. ZTRAX is expected to provide historical information of home and deployed, operational and training flight evolutions which will aid in the process of training and readiness planning. The ZTRAX application was implemented in November, 1991 and is a menu driven program which permits the addition, editing and querying of data contained on two source documents; the Monthly Training and Readiness Report and the Monthly Flight Hour Report. Ztrax is run concurrently from within the Paradox program to permit a vast array of ad hoc queries, reports and the importation of graphical display mechanisms. [...] Chapter II will detail the design of the RDBMS. Chapter III discusses implementation of the RDBMS [relational database
software application] and its interaction with other commercial software applications for graphical representation purposes. The users manual is contained in Appendix E. Chapter IV discusses the issue of computer security and its relevance to all microcomputer operations. Chapter V provides recommendations and conclusions for the use of a relational database management system to provide accurate and timely readiness and training information. Appendix A-E will provide the data input documents, object diagrams, object definitions, domain definitions and the users manual, respectfully."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hodgkins, Richard E.
1992-03
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Conflict with Libya: Operational Art in the War on Terrorism
From the thesis abstract: "The relevance of operational art in the low intensity conflict (LIC) environment must not be overlooked. A study of the series of U.S. military operations against Libya in 1986, and the events leading up to them, provides insights into how operational level thinking drove the military element of the long-term campaign against Qaddafi. This case study approach to the conflict examines how operational art was used in planning the operations, and the degree to which it supported achievement of strategic and operational objectives. It also addresses unique challenges faced by cognizant operational commanders in politically-dominated LIC scenarios. The paper is not a critique of actions at the tactical level, nor does it suggest alternatives to original operational plans. Rather, it asserts the overall validity of operational level thinking in the LIC environment, and concludes that the applicability of operational art in LIC should be formally recognized in relevant joint warfare publications."
Naval War College (U.S.)
Arnold, David R.
1992-02-22
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Theater Applications of the Future Bomber Force
From the thesis abstract: "The author examines the advantages and disadvantages for the operational commander of using the future bomber force in conventional and contingency scenarios. The inherent strategic bomber capabilities of range, payload, and flexibility are discussed. The technological advances in stealth and advanced munitions are examined, as are USAF [United States Air Force] plans for the future bomber force incorporating these technologies. The author contends the combination of inherent bomber characteristics with the technologies of stealth and advanced munitions creates a revolution in the commander's power projection capabilities. The author examines the application of force in three conventional scenarios: counter-terrorism, peacetime contingency, and major regional conflict. One finding is the improved capabilities facilitates the use of the military option for decision makers; this may preclude adequate consideration of diplomatic, economic, and political options. The author concludes that the commander can apply the bomber force across the spectrum of conflict; that the force's ability to provide rapid initial response, precision, mass, and sustained firepower are useful in all three scenarios. The author contends the bomber force can free the commander of some forward basing constraints, allows the commander to retain the option of unilateral action, and provides the commander with a rapid response force option to show resolve or disrupt an adversary's plans. Recommendations for the theater commander include integration of bomber units into the planning process, ensuring targets are of sufficient value, and providing the intelligence network to exploit the rapid response capability."
Naval War College (U.S.)
Kowalski, James M.
1992-02-22
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Triad - A Relook - Should the United States Retain Its Land Based ICBM Force?
From the thesis abstract: "The United States has maintained a Triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems since the early 1960's. This Triad includes strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). The redundancy and mutual support provided by the Triad provided the United States with a credible nuclear deterrent during the Cold War confrontation with the Soviet Union. Each element of the Triad has distinct attributes for deterrent and warfighting roles. In the emerging aftermath of the Cold War it is appropriate to determine if the United States needs to retain its ICBM force of 1,000 missiles. This study reviews the evolution of the Triad and U.S. nuclear strategy, and examines the continuing need for the ICBM force against the following criteria: threat, alternatives to the ICBM, the advantages and disadvantages to retaining the ICBM capability, and the impact of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) on the ICBM force? This study determines that the threat issue is the dominant criteria and concludes that the United States can sometime in the not too distant future retire most of its ICBM force, but first must negotiate with the former Soviet republics to achieve a significant reduction or total elimination of their strategic nuclear forces. Although those fledgling new republics should have no desire to threaten the United States, the existence of their vast nuclear capabilities, particularly ICBMs, must be seriously considered by U.S. defense planners."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Skelton, John D.
1992-02-10
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Responding to a Changing World
"The changes in the world since the demise of the Soviet Union have significantly altered the environment in which the United states seeks to achieve its national objectives. While the threat to the survival of the U.S. has diminished, new and less predictable threats to other of the U.S.'s national interests have emerged. Airpower is uniquely suited to deal with the changing world; an examination of objectives, strategy, doctrine, force structure, and constraints and opportunities shows how airpower, and the Air Force, can contribute to safeguarding national interests in a changing world."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Campbell, John H.
1992
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Expanding Chinese Naval Power and Maritime Security in Southeast Asia
"The collapse of East-West competition for global preeminence is unleashing powerful forces for strategic change in the Asia-Pacific region. A reconfiguration of the regional security balance is taking place, especially a resurging naval rivalry, as aspiring hegemons--notably China, Japan and India--jostle for leadership roles. This report examines the central role being played by China in the unfolding security changes in Asia. Chinese naval modernization is analyzed within the context of China's Southeast Asian maritime interests, its new maritime strategy, and its evolving naval capabilities. The report recommends: maintaining a significant U.S. naval presence in Asia to protect American economic and political interests in the region; creating a loose yet textured and inclusive multilateral set of security relations in the Asia-Pacific region; initiating a Sino-American naval rapprochement as a prelude to enhanced regional naval cooperation; and, reassuring America's friends in the region through a continuing American naval deterrence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Winterford, David, 1949-
1992-01
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United States Warship Transfers to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile: Options for U.S. Policy
From the thesis abstract: "The United States Navy plans to decommission several classes of warships in the next decade. Each of the major Southern Cone countries of Latin America (Argentina. Brazil. and Chile) perceives a geopolitically-driven need for a blue-water navy. Each of these navies needs frigates and destroyers to achieve blue-water status. This thesis examines U.S. ship transfer policy to the Southern Cone. It concludes that the Adams-. Coontz-. and Knox-class ships that the U.S. navy is beginning to decommission should be leased to the Southern Cone navies in order to bolster their naval forces and to support mutual maritime security interests. The poor economic status of these countries mandates that the lease terms be made as favorable as possible and that the annual number of ship leases be kept to a few."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jenkins, Brent P.
1991-12
