United States Navy

blog

Talking to Russia, Racial Bias, Mine-Hunting Dolphins: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on preventing escalation of the war in Ukraine, how racial bias compounds over time, why the Navy should stick with its mine-hunting dolphins, and more.

commentary

Why It Makes Sense to Keep Mine-Hunting Dolphins on the Navy's Payroll

Mine-hunting dolphins—none of whom have ever been harmed by a mine—make the seas safer for naval ships and other vessels. Yet budget cuts could spell the end of the program that trains them.

Scott Savitz

blog

China-Pakistan Partnership, Media Literacy, Incarcerated Parents: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the China-Pakistan partnership in light of the Taliban's rise to power, media literacy education, parenting from prison, and more.

commentary

The Hidden Potential of NATO's Gator Navies

Improving U.S.-European amphibious interoperability would bolster the alliance's defense posture in a non-provocative manner that complements recent moves in land forces. The 2017 Summit in Brussels presents an opportunity to refine allied ground posture while adding this maritime dimension.

Gregory DeMarco, Gene Germanovich

commentary

Egypt's Suez Canal: An Attenuated Lifeline

The U.S. Navy has enjoyed the luxury of being able to transit the Suez Canal without hindrance for decades. However, the risk of losing access — perhaps quickly and unexpectedly — should inform Navy strategic and operational planning.

Scott Savitz, Paul DeLuca

commentary

Transforming 'Distributed Lethality' Strategy into Action

Distributed lethality offers a more offensive approach to using naval surface forces as potential adversaries acquire naval capabilities designed to control the sea. Translating the concept into action has implications for Navy operations, logistics, finances, and overall strategy.

Katie Jacobson

commentary

How Do We Deal with a Flood of Data?

Despite the value of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, the amount of data they generate has become overwhelming. If the Navy does not change the way it processes information, it will reach an ISR “tipping point”—as soon as 2016.

Isaac R. Porche III, Bradley Wilson, et al.

commentary

Quality Sleep at Sea

The U.S. Navy may be waking up to something sleep experts have known for a long time: that people function best when they follow their natural sleep rhythms.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel, Regina A. Shih @ReginaShih

commentary

How to Avert a Sea Catastrophe with China

The United States should propose and pursue an East Asian maritime partnership, inviting to join all states that share its interest in assured access and passage, writes David Gompert.

David C. Gompert

commentary

Will Iran Close the Strait of Hormuz?

Just by threatening to close the Strait, Iran increases pressure on the U.S. to restrain Israel from attacking Iran. Other key players—including major oil importers such as China, Japan, and India—would be reluctant to support military action because of heavy dependence on Persian Gulf oil, writes Alireza Nader.

Alireza Nader