战略与国际研究中心-US-Coast-Guard_-Priorities-for-the-Future_17页_413kb

Summary of "U.S. Coast Guard: Priorities for the Future" Maritime Security Dialogue

Core Content

The dialogue, titled "U.S. Coast Guard: Priorities for the Future", was held on August 1, 2017, at the CSIS Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and featured Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, in conversation with Vice Admiral Peter H. Daly (Ret.), the CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, and Kathleen H. Hicks, Senior Vice President and Director of the International Security Program at CSIS.

The event focused on the strategic role and future challenges of the U.S. Coast Guard, emphasizing its multi-faceted missions and budgetary constraints. Admiral Zukunft highlighted the importance of military and law enforcement integration, global partnerships, and workforce development in maintaining the Coast Guard's effectiveness in the 21st century.

Main Points

1. Historical Context and Mission Overview

• The U.S. Coast Guard was established in 1790 as a means to collect tariffs and support the fledgling nation.
• It has 11 statutory missions, with military/defense operations being the last one, often overlooked in public discourse.
• The Coast Guard has been involved in every U.S. military campaign since 1790 and operates globally, including in the Arctic, Pacific, and across all seven continents.

2. Budgetary Challenges

• The Coast Guard's budget is primarily non-defense discretionary, which limits its ability to fund modernization efforts.
• It receives only 4% of its funding from defense discretionary spending, while the other 96% comes from non-defense sources.
• The Budget Control Act places the Coast Guard in the "basement" of budget considerations, making it difficult to secure necessary resources.

3. Recapitalization and Workforce Issues

• The Coast Guard is in a state of slow decay, where it is trying to modernize its fleet while also reducing personnel.
• There is a risk of mortgaging the workforce to fund new assets, which could lead to a lack of qualified personnel to operate them.
• Admiral Zukunft emphasized the need to invest in the future and not compromise on workforce stability and skill development.

4. Global Partnerships and Soft Power

• The Coast Guard uses soft power through international cooperation, especially in combating illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and transnational crime.
• It has formed counterdrug bilateral agreements with countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
• It also engages with Russia, China, and other nations on issues like Arctic sovereignty, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

5. Future Priorities and Technological Adaptation

• The Coast Guard is focusing on autonomous systems and cybersecurity as key areas for future development.
• It is modernizing its fleet with offshore patrol cutters and fast-response cutters, which are more advanced than older models.
• The service is also looking to improve retention and reduce mobility for its personnel to enhance readiness and efficiency.

6. Law of the Sea Treaty and Strategic Implications

• The U.S. has not ratified the Law of the Sea Treaty, despite being a key supporter of its principles.
• This non-ratification could affect the Coast Guard's ability to enforce maritime laws and engage in international disputes, especially in the Arctic, where China and Russia are also active.
• Ratification would provide legal clarity and international legitimacy for the Coast Guard's operations in disputed waters.

Key Information

• Budget: The Coast Guard has a total appropriation of just under $11 billion, with 4% coming from defense discretionary funds.
• Workforce: The Coast Guard has a high retention rate, with 40% of recruits and 60% of officers expected to be on active duty 20 years from now.
• Fleet Modernization: The service is building 25 light frigates and 58 fast-response cutters, with the national security cutters being highly complex and requiring extensive training.
• Global Engagement: The Coast Guard is a key player in international maritime security, working with Japan, Russia, South Korea, and Canada on various issues.
• Strategic Role: The Coast Guard is not just a law enforcement agency but a military service that contributes to national security and global stability.

Conclusion

Admiral Zukunft stressed the importance of recognizing the Coast Guard as a military service and not just a law enforcement entity. He emphasized the need for investment in modernization, workforce development, and international cooperation to address 21st-century maritime threats. The non-ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty is a concern that could impact the Coast Guard's ability to assert its role in global maritime governance and dispute resolution.