Amphibious Assault in the 21st Century: Are the Costs and Risks Too High?

Abstract : The rise in cost of developing and maintaining an amphibious force in readiness and the risk associated with amphibious operations, in terms of lives, ships, and equipment that could potentially be lost, have raised concerns specifically over the utility of conducting amphibious assaults in the 21st century. Furthermore, the proliferation and development of sea denial weapon systems combined with a reduced naval capability to counter anti-access, area-denial threats have forced military leaders to reconsider the use of amphibious assaults to achieve operational objectives. The following paper will analyze the primary threats of anti-ship missiles and naval mines, identify shortfalls with respect to the U.S. Navy's ability to conduct naval fire support and mine countermeasure operations, and offer a counterargument and rebuttal that will address the concept of Sea Power 21 as an enabler for the future implementation of amphibious assaults. Finally, conclusions regarding the future of amphibious operations and recommendations towards making amphibious assaults a viable option will be addressed.