| ID | 186204 |
| Title Proper | What is the value of naval forces?–ideas as a strategic and tactical restriction |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Björnehed, Emma |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | There are several, often mentioned, strategic and tactical advantages related to naval forces which occur as a result of their inherent characteristics. Because they possess both mobility and a light footprint, naval forces have the ability to be simultaneously present in a given place while being minimally intrusive, a feat no other service branch can accomplish: “[t]he fact that naval forces can ´loiter´ and be minimally intrusive is an important and unique contribution to deterrence. The Army can loiter, but it cannot be minimally intrusive; the Air Force can be minimally intrusive but it cannot loiter. Only naval forces can do both simultaneously” (UK Maritime Power 2017, 37). Moreover, with the sea as the area of operations naval forces are an essential instrument for the state not only in war, but in peacetime as well. In comparison to the army and air force, naval forces are useful to the state outside a war context as they provide prosperity to the state through the protection of shipping lanes and civilian vessels. Given these inherent and unique characteristics and our unchanging dependence on the sea for goods and trade, the value of naval forces would seem self-evident. |
| `In' analytical Note | Defence Studies Vol. 22, No.1; Mar 2022: p.1-15 |
| Journal Source | Defence Studies Vol: 22 No 1 |
| Key Words | Naval Power ; Constructivism ; Naval Tactics ; War Studies |