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Protocols for Secure Client-Server Applications in the Joint Maritime Command Information System
The new architecture for the Joint Maritime Command Information System, referred to as JMCIS'98, seeks to provide uniform access to tactical and non-tactical information. The goal is to allow access to such information using Wide Area Network technology and Personal Computers running Windows NT in a web environment. This architecture relies on web servers to deliver executable content, such as Java applets, to clients and gateway servers to route requests to the appropriate servers and/or databases. This architecture raises new security risks which must be addressed. Two of these risks are addressed in this thesis: executing downloaded code from a web server and transmitting sensitive information, such as passwords, to gateway servers. We investigate three cryptographic protocols to address these risks. The first protocol treats the risk of executing downloaded code from a web server by using digital signatures. The second protocol addresses the transmission of sensitive information to a gateway server by using certificates and symmetric key cryptography. Finally, we explore an alternative approach, that of the Secure Sockets Layer, which provides mutual authentication. We discuss how the first two protocols can be implemented in Java using the Java Developer's Kit (JDK) 1.1 and the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) 1.1.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Weldon, Steven G.
1997-09
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Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) is Not Just an Organization for Security, but it is an Organization for Cooperation in All Fields
"This thesis examines the main purpose for establishing the AGCC, and proves that it was not created just as a defensive alliance as it is generally perceived in the West. The AGCC was formed for cooperation in all fields among its Member States. To demonstrate this fact, this thesis discusses the historical events that led to the establishment of this organization and analyzes the cooperation of the member states in area of politics, security, economy, as well as the development of human resources. The analysis indicates that the formation of the Shura Council (Consultative National Councils) was the first step in the right direction in building suitable political institutions. They allow the citizens of the AGCC to participate in the decision making process. Also, the thesis examines the external and the internal threats to the region and the AGCC relations with the West. It finds that the AGCC States must enhance the existing (Gulf) Island Shield Force and maintain its alliance with the West. The Study examines the economies of the AGCC States and shows that the AGCC States are still largely oil-based economies. It suggests additional and aggressive economic diversification programs which are needed and essential to base the economies on sustainable resources. The AGCC State must maximize an use oil returns to diversify their economies away from oil. Additionally, the thesis discusses the human resources development and emphasizes the investment in human capital which should be the objective and the priority of the AGCC States. Also, the thesis suggests that the educational system of the AGCC States needs radical reforms to meet the demands of modern economy. Finally, the thesis provides general recommendations to strengthen and move the AGCC forward in the future."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Al-Quraini, Abdullah J.
1997-06
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Proliferation of Conventionally-Powered Submarines: Balancing U.S. Cruise Missile Diplomacy? The Cases of India and Iran
The end of the Cold War has left the United States as the world's sole superpower. The ability of the United States to strike deep into the territories of most nations with impunity represents a new security threat to many nations. Defeating the U.S. military is not feasible in most cases, but balancing the United States may be possible, especially with weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Although WMD might provide a formidable deterrent, their technical, political, and economic costs preclude most nations from pursuing them. On the other hand, modern conventionally powered submarines are easier to obtain and operate and could present a significant deterrent to U.S. military force. This thesis assesses whether the perceived threat posed by the United States has emerged as a motivation for acquiring conventionally powered submarines since the end of the Cold War. After examining the motivations behind the recent submarine acquisitions of India and Iran, this thesis presents an economic model to predict when developing nations will be able to afford submarines if they choose to acquire them.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jones, Eric R.
1997-06
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Oceanic Sovereignty and the Law of the Sea: Fishery-Based Conflicts
This thesis examines fishery-based conflicts (FBCs) and the oceanic sovereignty implications of FBCs in a world devoid of the East-West superpower rivalry. The argument herein is that in the absence of the Cold War rivalry, previously lower-priority economic and diplomatic issues rise to the forefront of international relations. The analysis suggests that political stability and naval enforcement capability play a significant role in whether a nation will commit its naval forces to defend its national maritime claims. The Andean nations of Chile, Ecuador, and Peru (CEP) are the subject of investigation because they possess several attributes theorized to lead to future FBCs. Recommendations are presented as a starting point in formulating a two-fold strategy which will (1) minimize the likelihood of FBCs, and (2) respect the sovereignty of South American nations. Case studies of previous fishery-based conflicts are examined to determine the validity of the "Small Navy Theory". Also examined in this thesis are the potential roles of the United States Navy and Coast Guard in protecting US fishing interest and/or functioning as the lead organizations for a UN-sponsored peacekeeping operation in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hightower, Rudy L., II
1997-06
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Using Artificial Neural Networks to Identify Unexploded Ordnance
"The clearing of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is a deadly and time consuming process. The U.S. Government is currently spending millions of dollars to remove UXO's from bases that are closing around the world. Existing methods for detecting UXO's only inform the clearing team that a piece of metal is present, rather than the type of metal, either UXO, shrapnel, or garbage. A lot of time and money is spent digging up every piece of metal detected. This thesis presents the use of artifical neural networks to determine the type of UXO that is detected. A multi-layered feed-forward neural network using the back propagation training algorithm was developed using the language Lisp. The network was trained to recognize five pieces of ammunition. Results from the research show that four out of five pieces of ammunition from the test set were identified with accuracy of .99 out of 1.0. The network also correctly identified that a tin can was not one of the five pieces of ammunition."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
May, Jeffrey A.
1997-06
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Immigration Challenge: The Use of U.S. Military Force to Control Illegal Immigration from Mexico
"Controlling illegal immigration into the United States has become a major issue in U.S. politics. A February 1997 report released by the INS estimates that there are currently 5 million illegal aliens in the United States. In 1986, when the estimated number of illegal aliens was also 5 million nationally, the U.S. Congress passed an immigration reform that allowed for many of the undocumented workers in the United States to become legal residents. Approximately, 3 million illegal immigrants have become legal residents since the passage of the 1986 legislation. The latest estimate confirms the claims of some U.S. lawmakers and immigration activists that U.S. immigration policy is largely ineffective. In 1995 two bills were introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives that called for the use of U.S. military forces to assist the INS in controlling the flow of illegal immigration. Both bills were killed in committee. With the most recent INS estimate, it is possible that similar legislation will again be introduced. This thesis examines the military option for border control. The findings are that the use of the military to control illegal immigration would result in lowered military readiness, and that the militarization of the border will produce tensions in U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Latin American relations. Therefore, it is recommended that the military not be used to supplement the Border Patrol."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Grissom, Bruce W.
1997-03
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Evolution of Military Health Services System Wartime Manpower Requirements Generation: From the Medical Planning Module to the Medical Analysis Tool
"Major changes in post cold war strategy led to changes in force structure, missions, and anticipated casualty rates and challenged the basic assumptions that are fundamental to the process of military medical readiness planning. The Military Health Services System (MHSS) sought to refine its wartime medical requirements in order to identify the medical forces required to support the new strategy. This thesis explores the process used to determine wartime medical manpower requirements within the MHSS, explores the evolution of medical requirements planning models from the Medical Planning Module (MPM) to the Medical Analysis Tool (MAT), and provides a comprehensive analysis of the models. Documents reviewed for this thesis include reports from DoD, GAO and Congress, congressional testimony, studies conducted by think tanks including the Rand Corporation and the Center for Naval Analysis, and pertinent DoD directives and manuals. Additional data were obtained through interviews with key officials involved in the development and implementation of the MAT, particularly the Director for Logistics J-4, Medical Readiness Division, and the primary contractor developing the MAT, Booz-Allen Hamilton. The conclusions of this research are that the MPM is inflexible, inaccurate, incompatible with current technology and planning factors, and not user-friendly. The MAT is more flexible, accurate, compatible with current technology and planning factors, and user friendly than the MPM and is the best alternative for replacing it."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jeffs, Steven M.
1997-03
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Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism: Proliferation by Nonstate Actors
From the thesis abstract: "In the wake of the Cold War, a new world disorder seems to be emerging wherein the legitimacy of many states is being challenged from within by increasing non-state calls for self-determination from the likes of religious cults, hate groups, isolationist movements, ethnic groups, and revivalist movements. These movements often prey on the insecurities of the population, offering to fill psychological, sociological, political, or religious security needs of those who would join them. Of note: religious oriented groups appear to share a common ideological thread that rejects existing social, economic, and political structure demanding a structural revision of the world, a world where they become the authoritarian, dominant influence. These are the Post Modern Terrorists who possess a 'ripeness' to threaten use of weapons of mass destruction. Executive Order No. 12938 signed by President Clinton on November 14, 1994 declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (those weapons categorized as nuclear, chemical or biological) posed to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. This study presents an argument suggesting that terrorist groups operating under a veneer of religion are truly the most likely candidates to threaten use of weapons of mass destruction in a mass casualty causing terrorist act."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Campbell, James K.
1996-12
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India's Nuclear Weapons Posture: The End of Ambiguity?
"This thesis examines the future of India's nuclear weapons posture. Since testing a nuclear device in 1974, India been able to produce weapons material within its civilian nuclear power program. Despite having this nuclear weapons capability, India prefers to maintain an ambiguous nuclear posture. New pressures in the post-cold war era - the loss of the Soviet Union as a strategic ally, the indefinite extension of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, the rise of Hindu nationalism, and India's growing participation in the global economy - have the potential to derail India's current nuclear policy. This thesis identifies the domestic and international pressures on India, and assesses the prospects for India to retain its ambiguous policy, renounce the nuclear option, or assemble an overt nuclear arsenal."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Davies, Scott D.
1996-12
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Demographic Trends in France and Germany: Implications for U.S. National Security
This thesis explores the changing demographic picture in France and Germany and how it may affect U.S. national security in the near future. while demographics are only one set of the many forces driving changes in the way the United States and Western Europe interact and cooperate, they have the potential to fundamentally change the way Western Europe shapes and implements its security policies around the world. This thesis examines how demographic trends in Western Europe, particularly France and Germany, will affect those countries' abilities to fund and man viable military forces. The analysis includes topics such as immigration, terrorism, the importation of foreign conflicts, and increased nationalistic xenophobia. Finally it examines the implications these demographic changes will have on U.S. national security, in particular the willingness of France and Germany to act as U.S. allies and their ability to invest in defense spending. It concludes that while they are radically changing their force posture, France and Germany will continue to rely on the U.S. military for European security. Also, if Western Europe's social welfare programs are not significantly reformed, demographic forces will necessitate further decreases in defense spending.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Martin, Mark G.
1996-12
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Command and Control of Special Operations Forces
"Today integrated operations are a prime requirement of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and General Purpose Forces (GPF) of all services. None can unilaterally conduct operations because of strategic lift and logistic limitations. No unit is capable of all types of missions nor should any unit or its leadership believe it is capable of all types of missions. SOF must become more able to integrate jointly with all branches and services to secure its future effectiveness. This thesis looks at historical examples of four integrated operations and illustrates some definitive problems associated with them. It shows how four variables are especially significant to all levels of an operation. These variables may affect the outcome of operations significantly enough to be considered essential. The thesis summarizes the problems associated with each operation and looks at some future implications for joint warfare."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brown, Harry S.
1996-12
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Preventing Ballistic Missile Proliferation: Lessons from Iraq
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles is now one of the greatest threats to the United States and its allies. Efforts to contain WMD proliferation, particularly the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), have had limited success and must be improved to deal with new arms proliferation challenges. This thesis examines the case of Iraq to assess the performance of the missile nonproliferation regime since 1970. By analyzing the methods used by Iraq to obtain missile systems and missile technology, this thesis assesses the ability of the international community to prevent ballistic missile proliferation. Understanding Iraq's past capabilities as well as its post-war efforts to rebuild weapons programs and procurement networks, this thesis provides suggestions for improving the regime's performance. This thesis finds that (1) prior to 1992 the MTCR failed in its attempts to prevent proliferation; (2) the existence of the MTCR, while necessary to slow proliferation, is not sufficient to prevent proliferation; and (3) additional enforcement is needed to counter WMD acquisition by resourceful and determined states.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Talay, Brian J.
1996-12
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Personnel Planning in the Medical Service Corps: A Training Guide for Healthcare Executives
During the past decade the Medical Service Corps (MSC) has undergone a myriad of changes. The most challenging change has been the pressure to downsize while maintaining an appropriate force structure to enable it to support two nearly simultaneous major regional conflicts as mandated by the Defense Planning Guidance. While the MSC has cogently developed requirements-led measures to ensure that they can support its operational and peacetime requirements, the process of personnel planning has evolved to ensure that the proper number and mix of MSC officers are available. This thesis examines the current state of personnel planning in the Medical Service Corps. Of particular interest is to identify the various organizations involved in personnel planning and how Navy Medicine uses its personnel plans to meet its readiness and peacetime missions. The three personnel plans used by the Medical Service Corps: (1) End Strength, (2) Accession, and (3) Promotion, are used to ensure that the Medical Service Corps has on active duty the right number of officers, at the right grade at the right time.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Houser, Kurt J.
1996-12
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Kurdish Nationalism: American Interests and Policy Options
The Kurds are currently the largest nation of people without their own country. They are divided among several states, predominantly Iran, Iraq and Turkey where they constitute large minorities. They have persistently been used as pawns by these countries and others, including the United States; only to be ignored once supporting them has no longer been beneficial. The Kurdish struggle for an independent homeland has repeatedly erupted into violence throughout history. To date there has been no permanent solution that has been acceptable to both the Kurds and the states they live in. This thesis will examine the history of the Kurdish struggle in order to understand how their experiences have shaped the current conditions, and to help develop an effective, long term American policy to control the situation. It will examine how the lessons of the past can be applied to policies today. The Kurdish struggle has periodically disrupted the stability and security of three of the largest nations in the Middle East. In this area, which is of vital interest to the United States, these movements threaten the fragile stability of the region. The recurring nature of these rebellions implies that it is only a matter of time before one directly threatens our interests in the area. For this reason, a thorough understanding of the Kurdish struggle is necessary.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hooks, Elizabeth R.
1996-12
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Establishment of a United Nations Standing Multinational Maritime Force- A Dream?
During the last decade, there has been a remarkable increase in attention paid to multinational military forces. The idea of UN standing multinational maritime forces has emerged as a potentially important contributor to international peace, order and stability. The assignment of national contingents to such a force on a standing basis seems desirable, but
so far there has been no international consensus on the establishment such as this force. This thesis proposes that a UN Standing Multinational Maritime Force can be an important contributor to international security. Establishing a UN Standing Multinational Maritime Force raises a central question: is it possible to establish a UN standing multinational maritime force? What are the problems and constraints of such force in the UN context? The point of this thesis is that there is a dilemma between realities and ideals, so that
the establishment of a UN Standing Multinational Maritime Force seems to be a dream foreseeable only in the distant future. This thesis highlights the political constraints and problems that complicate the creation of a standing multinational maritime force in terms of UN naval missions and supporting tasks. Consequently, this thesis attempts to demonstrate that to establish a standing multinational maritime force within the UN organization is impossible unless these constraints and problems are solved.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kiratli, Ardan
1996-12
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Counter-Organization Targeting: A Theoretical Framework for Analysis
"The purpose of this thesis is to present and substantiate a theory of counter-organization targeting. This thesis achieves this objective by creating and testing a framework for analysis which blends the principals of organization theory with classic counterinsurgency theory. The goal of this framework is to provide an analytical tool for operational-level targeting of adversary organizations during war, conflict, and stability and support operations. This study analyzes the historical precedents of counter-organization targeting to demonstrate its viability as a necessary condition for success in counterinsurgency campaigns. Additionally, by applying the framework against an unresolved case, this study validates its applicability against a broader spectrum of the operational continuum. As a result, this thesis offers an innovative framework allowing for a logical and common sense approach to observing, assessing, targeting, and interdicting adversary organizations. Finally, this thesis holds both predictive qualities with respect to understanding an organization's future behavior, as well as prescriptive qualities, in the sense of systematically attacking and neutralizing the same organization. This thesis also expands the concepts offered in U.S. Army Field Manual 100-20, 'Stability and Support Operations,' and bridges the gap between the strategic, and the tactical levels of campaign planning and execution."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Osborne, Joseph E.; Daoust, Daniel C.
1996-12
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Intranets
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this thesis is to develop a prototype Client-Server application that can be used by selected Naval Postgraduate School staff-members to coordinate meeting agendas and travel plans. A prototype application that can be implemented and deployed on an organizational network was designed and developed using commercially available tools. The thesis also addresses the current computing problems confronting this institution and the reasons why corporate America is embracing Web-based intranet technology; it will also examine why a Web-based intranet is a viable solution for many of the computing problems facing this organization. Additionally, we examined other applications that can be developed and deployed on an intranet at the Naval Postgraduate School. Finally, we explore the renowned intranet at Sandia National Laboratories and explain which factors played the most significant role in the success they have achieved with intranet technology at their organization."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
King, James Charles; Mizerak, William Paul
1996-09
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Ensuring a C2 Level of Trust and Interoperability in a Networked Windows NT Environment
"With the progression of computer systems to local and wide area networks, the scope of computer security has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Now, more than ever, the use of trusted systems is needed to ensure the secrecy, integrity, and availability of computer resources. However, attaining the levels of trust required has been difficult for a variety of reasons. This paper provides an in-depth look at the government's Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC) and its current applicability. An analysis of a military network running Windows NT version 3.51 as the network operating system is provided as a case study. The paper concludes with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the TCSEC criterion. Although products have been certified as meeting the various class requirements, existing problems are preventing--the attainment of trusted system from becoming a reality for many government organizations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lucas, Julie A.
1996-09
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Survey of User Authentication Mechanisms
"The use of a password as the only traditional user authentication mechanism has been criticized for its weakness in computer security. One problem is for the user to select short, easy to remember passwords. Another problem is the selection of a password that is too long which the user tends to forget. Long passwords tend to be written down carelessly somewhere in the work space. Such practices can create serious security loopholes. Consequently, this is a survey of alternative password mechanisms and other improved devices that are now available in the marketplace to enhance computer security. It taxonomizes the existing inventory of user authentication mechanisms such as biometrics, challenge/response, password, smart card and token."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Magno, Marianna B.
1996-09
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Russian-American Cooperation in Weapons of Mass Destruction Counterproliferation
This thesis examines the opportunities and risks associated with a new form of military cooperation between the United States and Russia: joint strategic special operations for counterproliferation contingencies--to seize and secure or to disable or otherwise neutralize weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities or WMD-armed terrorists. This thesis compares Russian and U.S. views of the future security environment, looking for areas of overlap that could serve as the basis for mutually acceptable cooperative approaches to military options--especially in areas in or around the former Soviet Union-- to deal with new WMD threats. The most effective military options might require the creation of a Russian-American response force similar to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Emergency Search Team (NEST), expanded to be usable against a wide variety of WMD threats. This thesis analyzes the circumstances in which Russian-American SOF cooperation is more likely to succeed than U.S. unilateral action. The analysis concludes that information-sharing may be the most likely form of cooperation, although any Russian-American cooperative effort would reveal to the other side sensitive information about capabilities and vulnerabilities in that area of cooperation.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dabrowski, Richard S.
1996-09
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Reexamining the Legislative Restrictions on the Domestic Use of the United States Military to Combat Domestic Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis
This thesis is an attempt to compare the current legislative and military posture of the United States, in its effort to deal with a potentially growing domestic terrorist threat, with that of Great Britain. The introductory chapter presents the argument that the United States may learn valuable lessons by examining the British response to domestic terrorism. The second chapter takes a historical look at the development of U.S. legislation that defined the President's authority to call forth the militia and federal troops for domestic use. The third chapter examines the British use of emergency legislation as well as their decision to employ the army in an effort to curtail domestic terrorism posed by the Irish Republican Army when local police efforts failed. The fourth chapter concludes with a discussion on current U.S. legislation dealing with domestic terrorism and on the lessons the United States may learn from the British experience as the U.S. continuously adjusts to a changing domestic security environment.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Johnson, Troy A.
1996-09
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Naval Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD): Development of the Information Exchange Requirements
As the United States moves into the next century one of the biggest threats facing her national interests is the proliferation of Theater Ballistic Missile (TBM) Systems, with their potential for carrying Weapons of Mass Destruction(WMD). In order for the United States to 'project power', the Navy must play a large role in the protection of friendly assets from TBM attacks. Thus, the Navy is continuing to develop new systems and technologies as it attempts to migrate older weapons systems to fulfill this mission into its initial ballistic missile defense concept, Navy Area Defense (NAD). This thesis looks at the differences between the current 'as is' physical/information architectures for the Anti-Air Warfare Commander and the future 'to be' physical/information architectures for Theater Ballistic Missile Defense Commander. The conventional anti-air warfare and TBM defense information requirements, on an Aegis, are developed using IDEF O Diagrams. These information requirement differences must be used as drivers for future system acquisition and development. Also, the potential problem areas associated with adding TBMD as an additional responsibility for the Air Warfare Commander (AWC) onboard and AEGIS platform, are covered. The results of this thesis represent the initial plan (roadmap) for changes needed to support the evolving mission (Navy Area Defense) in the fleet.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brintzinghoffer, Daniel M.
1996-06
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Acquisition Reform: Impact of Conversion to Performance and Commercial Specifications/Standards on the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program
"The Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program (CSDP) was established to plan and execute the safe destruction of the nation's stockpile of unitary chemical weapons. The CSDP is unique in that it is not a weapon system production program but, a weapon system destruction program with a mandated completion date of December 31, 2004. Execution of the program requires that multiple public issues be addressed including the public's concern regarding safety and the environment. Cost growth and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit delays have jeopardized on time completion within life cycle cost estimates. Another relevant issue is reform of the acquisition process, specifically the DoD requirement to convert military-unique specifications and standards to performance statements or commercial equivalents. This research provides evidence that acquisition reform initiatives on specifications and standards has had a positive influence on program costs with no overall program schedule delays. Continued efforts in this area should enhance the ability to demilitarize the nation's deteriorating stockpile of lethal chemical weapons within projected cost while maintaining or improving the quality and safety levels currently set by the EPA. The specific recommendations provided herein are intended to assist in improving program effectiveness and efficiency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Crisp, Sandra S.
1996-06
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Theater Missile Defense: The Effects of TMD on U.S.-Japan Security Relations
This thesis examines the continued pursuit of co-production efforts by the United States with Japan. The President has identified the development of Theater Missile Defenses (TMD) as a priority to counter the proliferation of theater ballistic missiles (TBM) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). In keeping with the priorities set forth by the President the Secretary of Defense has made several proposals to the Japanese government in regards to the purchase, increased technical exchanges and co-production of TMD systems. This study reviews the potential impact such efforts may pose on the future of the U. S.-Japan security relationship and the ability of the United States to exert its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The environment which led to the initial security agreement in 1951 has been significantly altered and many believe that TMD may be the necessary tool to restore stability to the relationship. Through the application of three alliance theories this thesis analyzes the U.S. decision to pursue joint TMD production with Japan. This thesis provides background information for three theories and applies them to the history of the U.S.-Japan alliance the FS-X co-production effort and the extended TMD proposals. Based on this application and analysis this study concludes that co- production of TMD will impede the production of TMD, and therefore not in the direct interest of the United States. In addition the exchange of technology as well as the co-production efforts will reduce the credibility and influence of the United States within the U.S.-Japan alliance. However, if the United States alone continues with its domestic development and deploys TMD systems as part of its national military strategy, it can avoid the negative effects and degradation of its influence within the alliance.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Spurlock, Kenneth R.
1996-03
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Integration of Special Operations and Conventional Forces in Unconventional Warfare
"Special operations forces (SOF) and conventional forces (hereafter referred to as general purpose forces of GPF) frequently operate together under a unified chain of command. When they do, conventional wisdom places SOF in command. In unconventional warfare operations, however, this subordination of SOF to GPF may hinder the ability of the integrated force to design an appropriate solution. This thesis examines the integration of SOF and GPF in unconventional warfare (UW) from an organizational perspective. It begins by examining the unique challenges posed by UW problems and establishing the organizational culture and functional specialization of SOF and GPF. It posits that SOF is, from an organizational perspective, better suited to designing solutions to UW problems than GPF. It further posits that by subordinating SOF to GPF the likelihood of the integrated force designing a campaign strategy appropriate for a UW problem is greatly reduced. It then uses the US involvement in Vietnam to test these hypotheses. The thesis concludes that organizational factors do, in fact, play a role in the formation of strategy, and that careful consideration of the command relationships in future unconventional warfare operations is warranted."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bado, Christopher M.
1996-03
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Microviolence at Sea, 1975-1995: A Data Analysis
"The traditional definitional constraints of terrorism have resulted in the failure to effectively categorize all political acts of violence in the maritime environment. This thesis offers the more practical and useful paradigm of 'Microviolence' for viewing this phenomenon. The intent of developing this paradigm was to create a framework which permits the creation of a data-based investigation of all recorded incidents of illegitimate political violence in the maritime environment. The database itself is focused on the period from 1975 to 1995 and was designed to permit rigorous statistical analysis. The database includes 374 reported cases of microviolence and each were dissected into 98 separate variables to permit a comprehensive quantitative and statistical picture of the trends and characteristics of microviolence for the past 20 years to be developed. The ultimate goal has been to create a comprehensive tool to determine and analyze the characteristics of illegitimate political violent incidents and its perpetrators."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lumpkin, Michael D.
1995-12
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Congress, Defense, and the Deficit: An Analysis of the FY 1996 Budget Process in the 104th Congress
"The FY [fiscal year] 1996 federal budget process has been distinguished by a series of unprecedented 'firsts'. The 104th Congress, the first Republican-led Congress in over 40 years, promised to produce a federal budget for FY 1996 that would incorporate significant changes in fiscal policy. Congress intended to balance the budget and eliminate the deficit by 2002, and proposed substantial cuts in entitlement spending in order to accomplish this. Additionally, Congress intended to cut taxes and increase funding for defense. Although the majority party believed that balancing the budget was possible, most students of the federal budget process considered it improbable given the competing objectives and political sensitivities surrounding the methods proposed to achieve this goal. This thesis describes how Congress attempted to achieve its objectives, and evaluates the impact of such an unprecendented [sic] economic plan on specific elements of the federal budget. Congress did pass a budget resolution, reconciliation package, and several appropriation bills that reflected a zero deficit by 2002. However, two Continuing Resolutions were required as Congress and the President continued negotiations after reaching an impasse on the FY 1996 federal budget."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Molinari, Francis X. M.
1995-12
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Mine Warfare: An Old Threat Presents New Challenges for NATO's Post-Cold War Navies
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis analyzes the possible threats to global maritime interests posed by the growing international proliferation of advanced sea mines, and examines the role of NATO's [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] mine countermeasures (MCM) forces in countering these threats in the post-Cold War security environment. It is argued that, given the Iraqi mining success during the Gulf War, the current global proliferation of sophisticated sea mines, and deficiencies in the international laws which govern their use, mine warfare will present a growing threat to vulnerable Western nations into the next century. Consequently, NATO's mine countermeasure forces will have a prominent role in future Alliance or UN-mandated out-of-area naval contingencies, ranging from counter-terrorism operations to major regional conflicts, and will be called upon to provide a credible MCM capability to protect Alliance and coalition naval forces, secure vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs), and ensure unimpeded maritime freedom of the seas prescribed under international law. NATO's capability to meet these challenges will depend largely on its ability to reorient its focus toward the requirements necessary to train and maintain a first-rate MCM rapid deployment force. As a leader within NATO, the United States Navy must assume the lead in forging multinational transatlantic MCM forces capable of dealing with any global mining contingency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lluy, Paul A.
1995-12
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America's War on Drugs: Who's Winning?
Recently, Congress, the literary community, and the public at large have come to reconsider the war on drugs. There are many opinions regarding alternatives to this pseudo war or new measures to be taken in the war effort, but the ongoing effort itself has escaped evaluation (to determine if the United States is winning this campaign). The intent of this thesis, then, is to explore the objectives of the war on drugs, and to determine if America is winning. This work concludes that the current drug war is failing. The emphasis (supply or demand) and the methodology (interdiction, etc.) need to be reconsidered; and, a new plan which has the support of political and enforcement leadership must be made--its objectives should be made clear, and its goals should be meaningful, measureable and achieveable.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Diaz, Mary Lu A.
1995-12
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Information Age Terrorism: Toward Cyberterror
The growing ubiquity of computers and their associated networks is propelling the world into the information age. Computers may revolutionize terrorism in the same manner that they have revolutionized everyday life. Terrorism in the information age will consist of conventional terrorism, in which classic weapons (explosives, guns, etc.) will be used to destroy property and kill victims in the physical world; technoterrorism, in which classic weapons will be used to destroy infrastructure targets and cause a disruption in cyberspace; and cyberterrorism, where new weapons (malicious software, electromagnetic and micowave weapons) will operate to destroy data in cyberspace to cause a disruption in the physical world. The advent of cyberterrorism may force a shift in the definition of terrorism to include both disruption and violence in cyberspace in the same manner as physical destruction and violence. Through the use of new technology, terrorist groups may have fewer members, yet still have a global reach. The increasing power of computers may lower the threshold of state sponsorship to a point where poor states can become sponsors and rich states are no longer necessary for terrorist groups to carry out complex attacks. This thesis explores the shift toward information warfare across the conflict spectrum and its implications for terrorism. By examining the similarities and differences with past conventional terrorism, policymakers will be able to place information age terrorism into a known framework and begin to address the problem.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Littleton, Matthew J.
1995-12
