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CHAPTER 3 GENERAL MARITIME STRATEGIC CONCEPTS CONTENTS Introduction Concepts of Sea Power Naval Power Concepts Command of the Sea Sea Control Sea Denial Force In Being Sea Lines of Communication Battespace Dominance Maritime Power Projection Maritime Strategy and Modern Developments Roles of a Navy Diplomatic Role Policing Role Military Role Attributes of Maritime Forces Planning and Executing Operations Conclusion 27 27 28 28 29 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 37 38 38
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CHAPTER 3 GENERAL MARITIME STRATEGIC CONCEPTS • • • • • Sea Control, Sea Denial and Power Projection are the basic tasks of maritime forces. Sea Control, the ability to use the sea and deny its use to an opponent, is fundamental to the RSA in achieving its strategic goals in conflict. Sea Control will be an essential element of practically every major operation in which the RSA will be involved. Sea Control operations may be required across the spectrum of conflict. Sea Control minimises Risk – but does not eliminate it.
INTRODUCTION To determine what a Navy does to carry out its functions effectively, knowledge of certain maritime concepts and principles is necessary. The unique attributes of maritime forces are also to be taken note of. The aim of this chapter is to describe these generic concepts and to elaborate on the generally accepted roles of navies. This information will be used in the following chapter to focus more on the SA Navy and what it does in fulfilling its responsibilities towards the RSA. CONCEPT OF SEA POWER The construct of Sea Power within the modern era has been significantly influenced by the work of Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan who was instrumental in the shaping of the USN. His model of sea power clearly directed that naval power and maritime power were two essential elements comprising real sea power. These power elements are supported by three essential support bases: firstly, industrial potential which will allow a country to trade, secondly, maritime...