Navy tactics, doctrine, and training requirements for littoral warfare

Abstract

The White Papers '...From the Sea' and 'Forward.. From the Sea' have shifted the focus of U.S. maritime strategy from open-ocean (blue-water) operations to near-land (littoral) operations. U.S. naval strength lies in the capability to conduct sustained operations on the high seas, but the littoral environment and the potential enemy which may be encountered there impose new demands on our naval forces. It is imprudent to assume that the U.S. Navy can transfer their open-ocean proficiency into the littoral unmodified. This thesis evaluates the U.S. Navy's ability to conduct operations within this environment through its Littoral Warfare tactics, doctrine, and training. Then corrective actions for building littoral tactics and doctrine are recommended. It is intended that the recommendations will initiate a tactical debate to better prepare U.S. naval forces for operations within littoral regions throughout the world.