Incentives for the surface navy in support of the U.S. grand strategy for the 21st Century

Abstract

There is (or should be) a clear and logical track from National Strategy to naval missions to desirable behavior by naval officers. Furthermore there is (or should be) a coherent structure of incentives to encourage that behavior. And, since the Age of Sail, the Surface Navy has recognized the importance of incentives. This thesis focuses on lessons learned from the 19th Century and how those lessons apply today. It examines the U.S. National and Military Strategies for the late 20th Century and early 21st Century, and how the incentive structure for the surface officer community does (or does not) support those polices. The major conclusion is that incentive structures for today's surface officer community generally supports well the U.S. strategies.