A full cost analysis of the replacement of Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay's Marine ground defense force by the fleet antiterrorism security team

Abstract

Constrained defense budgets and manpower resources have motivated the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy to seek initiatives that maximize the efficient use and allocation of these diminishing resources. One such initiative is the restructuring of the Marine security presence at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, through the replacement of the 350 man Marine Ground Defense Force with a smaller, rotating unit consisting of two platoons from the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Company. Ostensibly, FAST would be able to perform the same security mission as effectively as the Ground Defense Force with fewer personnel and infrastructure requirements, resulting in both financial and manpower savings. This thesis performs a full cost analysis of this initiative to determine whether any cost savings will be realized. By reviewing and comparing historical cost data and Marine Corps budget estimates, the study determined that there are no real financial savings in executing the proposal. The Marine Corps and Department of the Navy may, however, achieve benefits in better manpower utilization and opportunity cost savings by exercising this option.