The six core areas of Naval Doctrine generally include:
1. Sea Control and Power Projection
2. Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) Protection:
3. Maritime Security Operations:
4. Naval Intelligence:
5. Command and Control:
6. Sea Basing:
While there may be slight variations and terminology differences depending on the specific Navy, the six core areas of Naval Doctrine generally include:
1. Sea Control and Power Projection
This area focuses on how a navy establishes and maintains control of the seas, enabling friendly use while denying the same to adversaries. It encompasses various capabilities like:
Sea Denial: Preventing enemy forces from using the seas freely.
Power Projection: Projecting military force ashore in support of national objectives.
Forward Presence: Maintaining a continuous naval presence in strategically important regions.
Deterrence: Discouraging adversaries from taking hostile action through the threat of naval force.
2. Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) Protection:
This area focuses on protecting vital shipping lanes and ensuring the free flow of goods and resources. It involves:
Escorts and Patrols: Accompanying merchant vessels and patrolling vital sea lanes.
Anti-submarine Warfare: Countering the threat posed by submarines to shipping.
Mine Warfare: Detecting, sweeping, and destroying mines laid in strategic waterways.
Maritime Domain Awareness: Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of activities and threats within the maritime domain.
3. Maritime Security Operations:
This area focuses on ensuring the safety and security of the maritime environment. It encompasses
Counter-piracy: Combating piracy and safeguarding vessels from attacks.
Counter-terrorism: Preventing and disrupting terrorist activities at sea.
Maritime Law Enforcement: Enforcing laws and regulations at sea, including fisheries protection and drug interdiction.
Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR): Conducting search and rescue operations for vessels and individuals in distress at sea.
4. Naval Intelligence:
This area focuses on gathering and analyzing information about the maritime environment and potential adversaries. It involves:
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Intercepting and analyzing electronic communications.
Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): Utilizing satellites, aircraft, and other platforms to collect imagery intelligence.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT): Recruiting and running agents to gather information.
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): Analyzing publicly available information.
5. Command and Control:
This area focuses on the systems and procedures used by naval commanders to exercise control over their forces. It includes:
Decision-making: Developing and implementing strategies and tactics to achieve objectives.
Communication: Issuing orders, receiving reports, and coordinating operations.
Information Sharing: Ensuring that all relevant commanders have access to the information they need.
Cybersecurity: Protecting naval networks and systems from cyberattacks.
6. Sea Basing:
This area focuses on leveraging the sea as a platform to project power and sustain operations. It involves:
Amphibious Operations: Conducting military operations from the sea to land.
Afloat Support: Providing logistical support to naval forces at sea, including fuel, ammunition, and repairs.
Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF): Highly mobile and self-sustaining forces capable of operating from the sea.
Seaborne Logistics: Utilizing ships and submarines to transport troops, equipment, and supplies.