Joint and Interdependent Requirements: A Case Study in Solving the Naval Surface Fire Support Capabilities Gap
2007
Welch, Shawn
Current and programmed Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) capabilities are insufficient to execute the Joint Forces Commander's littoral operational missions against a highly advanced regional or near-peer competitor without unacceptable risk. Systemic deficiencies in the requirements generation process have resulted in overlooking major caliber guns as a potential solution for the challenges of long range NSFS to support deep Ship-to-Objective (STOM) maneuver. Failure to solve these deficiencies places strategic, operational and tactical operations at substantial risk. Recommendations are framed in an ends, ways, and means construct. The history of NSFS, current national strategy, joint and service specific doctrine, current and alternative capabilities associated with providing NSFS are evaluated against current attempts to bridge NSFS gaps with naval aviation and missiles alone. This study will demonstrate a credible case for re-examining major caliber guns and the ships that mount them as part of the NSFS solution set. This thesis identifies five courses of action to meet the NSFS requirements to defeat a future near-peer competitor in the littorals in a timely and affordable manner.
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