Lloyd Thrall

Looking to the 2030 2040 time frame, U. S. policy and military strategy will need to strike a balance among maintaining a cooperative relationship with China, deterring Chinese aggression in regional disputes, and preparing for the possibility that China could become more assertive. The U. S. Army will have an important role to play in preparing for these developments and for protecting and furthering U. S. interests in the region."

This report assesses in what ways and to what degree unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are suitable for supporting U. S. Navy missions and functions. It briefly characterizes the current and emerging USV marketplaces to provide a baseline for near-term capabilities, describes USV concepts of employment to support diverse U. S. Navy missions and functions, and evaluates these concepts of employment to identify specific missions and functions for which they are highly suitable.

This study draws lessons regarding technological countermeasures to radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant accident. It focuses on contamination measurement, efforts to limit dispersal, decontamination, and storage of radioactive materials. The report analyzes technological successes and identifies capability gaps that could be redressed through novel technologies or improved use of existing technologies.

Land-based anti-ship missiles (ASMs) feature prominently in the capabilities of many island nations in the Western Pacific, but the United States currently lacks such systems. This report illustrates the potential strategic advantages of the United States working with partners to build a coalition ASM capability, particularly in the event of a conflict with China, and includes an assessment of logistical challenges and positioning approaches.