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Study of Navy and Marine Corps Prison Inmates Affiliated with Gangs and Extremist Groups: Trends and Issues for Enlistment Screening
"This thesis examines self-identified gang members and extremists incarcerated in Navy and Marine Corps brigs and disciplinary barracks. Information was gathered from interviews conducted with inmates. The interviews focused on several key issues, including reasons for enlisting in the Navy and Marine Corps; truthfulness with recruiters concerning certain illegal activities prior to enlistment, including juvenile arrests and convictions; the nature and severity of crimes for which members were convicted, including links with gangs or extremist groups; and reasons for lack of assimilation and acculturation into military service. This thesis also provides background information on present enlistment screening procedures, current Department of Defense policies concerning gangs and extremist groups, and demographic data on the characteristics of self-admitted gang members who are incarcerated in a Navy brig. Common themes that emerged from the interviews are presented, and selected summaries are included in an appendix. In addition, the study examines enlistment screening procedures for identifying applicants who have gang or extremist group affiliations, and recommends a number of areas for further research."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tierney, Kathryn E.
1998-03
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Security Issues for the Software Evolution Model
"This thesis examines the security requirements of the software evolution model and identifies possible security mechanisms called control classes that are applicable to the model. Then, based on combinations of control classes, proposes a suitable security level for each of the model's databases. Furthermore this thesis deals with the possibility of using Pretty Good Privacy as a method for protection of software data stored in databases. The software evolution model captures all the necessary changes in requirements early during the development process in order to help in minimization of project cancellation, delivery delays and extra costs for fixing errors. The protection of software data against unauthorized accesses and modifications is a primary consideration for the software evolution process. In this way, we can develop a secure environment on which the software evolution can rely for accomplishing its goal."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rambidis, Anastasios X.
1998-03
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Organizational Innovation and Redesign in the Information Age: The Drug War, Netwar, and Other Lower-End Conflict
"The end of the Cold War and the rise of the Information Age have fostered an uncertain security environment which the United States is struggling to master. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the factors that lead complex organizations to initiate large-scale structural change in the face of environmental uncertainty; and more specifically to determine how the rise of the Information Age may change the organizational requirements of the U.S. national security structure. This thesis creates a unique framework for analysis, blending principles of organization and innovation theory with the theory of information-based 'netwar.' This study analyzes the organizational structures adopted by several transnational drug cartels, and compares them to that of U.S. counternarcotics forces. Next, this thesis reviews a series of recent occurrences pertaining to national security to test whether there are manifestations of netwar threats emerging, and whether new and old organizational actors are learning to adapt their structures to gain an advantage over the United States. Finally, this thesis is both predictive and prescriptive with regard to the issues of organizational redesign. It argues that structural changes are necessary for the United States to ensure the national security in an Information Age. Then it makes recommendations that would help the U.S. security structure redesign itself to become more agile in the face of Information Age threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berger, Alexander
1998-03
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Information Security Education Initiative for Engineering and Computer Science
"This paper puts forward a case for an educational initiative in information security at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its focus is on the need for such education, the desired educational outcomes, and how the outcomes may be assessed. A basic thesis of this paper is that the goals, methods, and evaluation techniques of information and computer security are consistent with and supportive of the stated goals of engineering education and the growing movement for outcomes-based assessment in higher education."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Irvine, Cynthia E.; Chin, Shiu-Kai; Frincke, D. A. (Deborah A.)
1997-12
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Assessment of the Fiscal Year 1997 Department of Defense Budget and Program Activities for Domestic Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction
This thesis examines Department of Defense involvement in U.S. preparedness to manage the consequences of a nuclear, radiological, biological, or chemical terrorist attack against its cities. It analyzes the establishment and implementation of the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 which directed the Department of Defense to assist in the training of state and local emergency response agencies involved in consequence management activities. The historical analysis focuses on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, major terrorist incidents since 1993, international standards, and legislative and executive efforts undertaken to combat terrorism up to 1996. The $150 million Nunn Lugar Domenici amendment to the FY-97 National Defense Authorization Bill is examined in detail from introduction on the Senate floor to eventual passage and enactment. Problems and policy issues associated with resourcing and implementing the resulting Domestic Preparedness Program are treated. Although the DoD was given responsibility for implementing city training, an interagency effort ensued involving the Public Health Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Energy, and others. Potential weaknesses may materialize due to several characteristics of the Domestic Preparedness Program, including its novelty and uniqueness, the unorthodox legislative process by which it was established, and its complex organizational structure and temporary nature.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Guenther, Glenn R.
1997-12
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Marine Ground Intelligence Reform: How to Redesign Ground Intelligence for the Threats of the 21st Century
Present-day Marine ground intelligence is configured for attrition warfighting and the predictable conventional adversaries of the past. Designed during WWII, it has undergone little change; what has changed is the threat environment. Modern-day threats are less centralized and regimented. They think on their own and they adapt quickly. This thesis analyzes the current configuration of Marine ground intelligence and compares it with two major threats of the next century: asymmetric military threats and non-conventional threats. To counter these smart adversaries, Marine ground intelligence will need to be configured differently. Sophisticated sensors and rote intelligence work are no longer enough to identify and track these powerful threats. The performance of Marine intelligence during the Gulf War demonstrates that having failed against the Iraqi army, intelligence is very likely to fail again. Indeed, Marine intelligence faces a serious dilemma: it can either reform or face ever-decreasing relevance and effectiveness. Having presented the rationale for urgent reform, this work recommends an intelligence enterprise centered around the leveraging of human intellect. It suggests the network as the design change that best leverages intellect and optimally configures ground intelligence for operating successfully against the threats of the next century.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cukor, Draw E.
1997-12
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Great Powers, Weak States and Asymmetric Strategies
On the verge of the twenty-first century, America finds itself in the position of a great power with dominant military technology. This thesis examines the possibility that weaker states may be able to strategically innovate and defeat us in war despite our technological advantages. The purpose of the thesis is to survey what type of strategic innovations, also known as asymmetric strategies, are possible and to examine the conditions under which they may be successful. This thesis begins by defining asymmetric strategies using a comprehensive model of strategy developed by Rear Admiral J.C. Wylie. The thesis also examines four variables which may explain the success or failure of asymmetric strategies. To illustrate possible asymmetric strategies and examine the contextual conditions under which they work, the thesis considers the cases of the Italo-Ethiopian war of 1935-36, the Russo-Finnish War of 1939-40, and the American-North Vietnamese War of 1965-73. The thesis finds that the four variables have significant explanatory power for the success or failure of these strategies. The thesis concludes by examining strategic implications for the United States, both as a possible opponent of weak states and as a supporter of a weak state faced by a great power threat.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lwin, Michael R.
1997-12
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Civil-Military Relations in Domestic Support Operations: The California National Guard in Los Angeles 1992 Riots and Northridge Earthquake of 1994
The main argument of the thesis is that the use of the California National Guard (CNG) in response to major emergencies has both advantages and disadvantages as a model for countries in transition, such as Ukraine. Furthermore, it argues that civil- military relations in domestic support operations (DSO) are a very important factor to consider when new democracies try to build an effective system of emergency management. The author attempts to explain why the civil authorities, specifically in the United States, request military involvement in domestic emergencies while remaining suspicious about military involvement in domestic affairs. He discusses the reasons for military involvement in disaster relief and law enforcement operations, and the considerations and constraints by which the US federal legislation authorizes and limits it. The study is based on two cases of DSO in which the CNG participated as one of the leading agencies: the 1992 Los Angeles Riots as an example of military assistance in a civil disturbance operation and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake as an example of a disaster assistance operation. In the conclusion, the thesis provides recommendations about the applicability of the CNG's experience and organizational features for the emergency management systems in new democracies, particularly Ukraine.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Khomchenko, Sergey
1997-12
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Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia - Controlling the Malacca Straits
"This thesis analyzes the military capabilities of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia and assesses their collective ability to control the use of the Straits of Malacca and the Singapore Straits. With steadily growing economies as a source of funding, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have made significant improvements in their military stature. Collectively, they can control this vital passage, preventing both military and commercial shipping from using these straits. These three littoral nations' key interests that might lead them to restrict and deny the use of the Malacca Straits are identified. Their military force composition and capability also is reviewed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bandy, Way, Jr.
1997-12
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Management in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force: The Effects of Japanese Values and Beliefs
"This thesis examines the organization and management of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and its similarities and common features with Japanese corporate management, a common style grounded in culture and more specifically in the Japanese educational system. In nearly one hundred years organizational theory, practices, and systems were mostly transplanted from the United States and European countries. However, these systems evolved to fit the environment and culture of the Japanese people. This study investigates features and relationships among the Japanese environment, culture, educational systems, and management style. Japanese society and culture deeply affect the education system, and this system in turn socializes people in basic beliefs and values (e.g., harmony and loyalty) foundational to Japanese corporate practices (e.g., group decision making and lifetime employment). This study seeks to advance our understanding of how JMSDF participates in the same culture, is grounded in the same beliefs, and engages in similar practices as other Japanese organizations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Norimatsu, Takeshi
1997-12
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Fiscal, Maritime, and National Security Factors Influencing the Development of the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (MSA)
"The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 established the federal government's policy of developing and maintaining a commercial merchant marine capable of carrying a substantial portion of the nation's waterborne commerce and performing as a military auxiliary in time of war. Today the merchant marine continues to serve the nation in commerce and provides sustainment sealift assets and skilled seafaring crews to help meet DOD strategic mobility requirements. To maintain such a fleet, a highly regulated system of subsidy payments was provided to shipowners to offset the higher costs associated with the U.S. registry. Despite the outlay of over $14 billion in aid, the U.S. merchant marine has continually declined both in numbers of ships and the percentage of U. S. trade carried. This study examines the development of the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (MSA), and the policy decision to continue financial assistance in support of maintaining the merchant marine. To analyze the implications of this policy a comprehensive examination of congressional documents and industry publications was conducted. DOD and DON mobility planners can benefit from this study, as the condition of the merchant marine impacts both national security and mobility readiness. The study concluded that the MSA was a compromise reflecting many interests, reducing federal investment in the program and requiring recipients of payments to make available their entire transportation infrastructures to support DOD mobility requirements in times of crisis."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kott, Timothy J.
1997-12
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Gold, Not Purple: Lessons from USAID-USMILGP Cooperation in El Salvador, 1980-1992
"The United States faces a continuing need to conduct interagency operations, especially between the military and USAID. Surprisingly, however, this field has been treated much too casually in light of its merits as a potential force multiplier-and as a source of serious operational problems. US leaders will continue to choose the interagency approach (over unilateral options) to solve the sorts of complex problems that demand action and systematic intervention, yet allow room for political maneuver. By studying the activities of two inherently adversarial bureaucracies (USAID and the USMILGP) which needed to work together to solve a complex counterinsurgency problem in El Salvador, I have been able to determine which factors are most important for unity of effort in future interagency operations. In El Salvador the mission was to combat insurgents, but the principles and many of the tasks required to succeed then and there, apply today and elsewhere in waging the wars against drugs, terror, and other post-Cold War security threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moore, Scott W.
1997-12
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Design of a High Assurance, Multilevel Secure Mail Server (HAMMS)
From the thesis abstract: "Computer systems employed in the Department of Defense (DoD) for processing classified electronic mail (email) generally operate at the highest classification level of the data being processed. These system high implementations cause two significant problems: all users must be granted unnecessarily high security clearances, and separate, incompatible workstations and networks exist for users to process classified data at different security levels. To solve these problems a System/Subsystem Specification (SSS) and a System Security Engineering (SSE) approach has been used to design a High Assurance, Multilevel Secure Mail Server (HAMMS). This thesis presents the architecture, mailing capabilities, and required design characteristics necessary to develop a high assurance mail server. Existing high assurance and information security systems are analyzed to identify related design advantages and disadvantages for a high assurance mail sever. Also included is the initialization, adaptation, and employment of a media encryption device and associated software that will be adapted to extend secure mail operations to a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) workstation. The result of the research is a system design that can be employed to provide a high assurance multilevel email server and a reduction in the number of workstations, incompatible networks, and user clearances required in secure environments. In the future, the HAMMS design can be used as the basis for other high assurance server applications."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Downey, James P.; Robb, Dion A.
1997-09
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Squaring the Circle: Attempting Peace in Northern Ireland
"Finding a political framework for self-government in Northern Ireland that will be supported by both nationalists and unionists is referred to as a modern day attempt to do the impossible-to 'square the circle.' During the latest phase of the Troubles, from 1968 to 1996, there have been many attempts to bring peace to Northern Ireland by creating a negotiated settlement, but none has worked. This thesis compares two of the most significant attempts, the first in 1973 and the second in 1993, to evaluate prospects for peace in the future. Although the goals of both attempts were the same (a devolved government, economic recovery, and the cessation of terrorist violence), a comparison shows important differences in the political atmosphere and style of the peace process, effected especially by the changing role of the Irish Republican Army's political wing, Sinn Fein, and the intervention of third party mediators."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Marchi, Gina A.
1997-09
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Practical Guide to Intranet Planning
"One problem an intranet planner faces is that it takes too long to research the subject. Initially, the intranet planner needs to get the big picture -- not implementation details. This thesis will help the reader quickly grasp intranet concepts, terminology, and major issues, in order to save time in formulating an effective strategy. The thesis defines Internet, intranet, and extranet, from physical and organizational viewpoints, and introduces the issues discussed in later chapters. The control issue is shown to be the common theme in debates about centralized versus distributed computing, thin versus fat client, closed versus open access, supplier push versus user pull, and management control versus employee empowerment. There is a discussion of what Web technology does well, how to integrate it with existing technology, Java, and top-down versus bottom-up intranet development. Network architecture and firewalls are discussed, as well as, network security threats and what can be done to counter them."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kleinhans, Charles D.
1997-09
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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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White Extremism & the U.S. Military
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis argues that the involvement of active duty military personnel in white extremist groups and activities, no matter how small in numbers, poses a serious threat to the 'good order and discipline' and ultimate combat effectiveness of the U.S. military. The purpose of this thesis is twofold: 1) to produce a reference document for military commanders; and 2) to offer policy and other recommendations. Beginning with a discussion of the two subsets of white extremists and their respective ideologies, the thesis then provides an in-depth analysis of nine contemporary groups and a profile of their membership. Following this is a discussion of sociological and psychological explanations for contemporary white extremism. Finally, this thesis outlines the Department of Defense (DoD) policy on extremism, analyzes reports released by the United States Army (USA) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on this subject and discusses the extent of this problem DoD-wide. Recommendations that I advocate beyond those recommended by the USA and the NAACP are: 1) the prohibition of passive participation in extremist groups; 2) that leaders receive periodic training in the indicators of extremist activity and information on local extremist groups; 3) that minorities are spread evenly throughout units so as to be present at the smallest sub-units possible; 4) that servicemembers should be assigned to barracks rooms based on these ethnically diverse small units; 5) that the DoD should prohibit the policy of 'open installations.' and 6) that the DoD (e.g. the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) should consult with those in academia who are subject matter experts on extremism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Curtin, Lawrence M., Jr.
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
