Environmental optimization in mine countermeasures

A successful Naval power projection campaign may require operations through littoral regions defined by mines. Mines are among the most prolific weapons to other nations intent on inhibiting US Naval forces' ability to project power from the sea. Therefore, mine countermeasures (MCM) is integral to the overall power projection campaign. Countering the mine threat is critical to naval forces ability to shape and dominate the battlespace. Future operations will require rapid transit though the littoral regions.New capabilities need to be developed to use the environment to a tactical advantage. This paper describes how the environment is being used and should be used in support of MCM in the littoral region.