Policy considerations for the improvement of the United States Navy mine warfare capability

Abstract

The general purpose of the paper is to indicate the importance of the role of mine warfare in supporting the nation's defense policy and, ultimately, the nation's political policy. The basic problem, a lack of attention and emphasis of mine warfare on the part of persons in positions of decision in the defense establishment, is treated in the opening sections as a prelude to describe the need for such a paper. Future scenarios for mine warfare employment are developed to illustrate the importance of the mine and some of the possible areas where it may be used. This point is further discussed in relation to the mine's role as a political weapon as well as that of a strategic and tactical weapon. This line of thought is expanded through a discussion of the weapon's value as a deterrent and as a defensive weapon. Finally, a design is offered for a future Mine Force with a much broader range of capabilities and exposure to Fleet activities. This section includes suggestions as to the reasons for the design, and beyond that, the areas that require emphasis to give the mine's capabilities the needed exposure to the proper echelons of the defense establishment.