China do you think drives your service’s (U.S. Navy) planning

Full Answer Section

• Technological Advancements: China is investing heavily in advanced naval technologies, such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems. The Navy must adapt and innovate to maintain its technological edge and counter these emerging threats.

These factors necessitate a shift in the Navy's focus from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to great power competition. This is reflected in the Navy's planning documents, which emphasize the need to:

• Increase lethality and survivability: Modernize ships and submarines with advanced weapons, sensors, and defensive systems.
• Enhance operational readiness: Improve training and exercises to prepare for high-end warfare scenarios.
• Strengthen alliances and partnerships: Collaborate with allies and partners to enhance maritime security and deter aggression.
• Invest in research and development: Develop and field cutting-edge technologies to maintain a technological advantage.

By addressing these challenges, the U.S. Navy aims to maintain its maritime dominance and ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sample Answer

The threat from China that most drives the U.S. Navy's planning documents in Module 2 is likely the rapid modernization of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Here's why:

• Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Capabilities: The PLAN is developing sophisticated anti-ship missiles, advanced submarines, and air defense systems that aim to deny the U.S. Navy access to key areas in the Indo-Pacific region. This necessitates the Navy to develop and field counter-A2/AD capabilities, such as long-range precision strike weapons, advanced sensors, and resilient command and control systems.
• Naval Power Projection: China's growing naval power, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships, enables it to project power further from its shores. The U.S. Navy must maintain a credible naval presence in the region to counter this growing capability and protect vital sea lanes.