Since the release of the Coast Guard Arctic Strategy in 2013, the renewal of global strategic competition has coincided with dramatic changes in the physical environment of the Arctic. The interaction of these drivers has made the Arctic a strategically-competitive space for the first time since the end of the Cold War. Competition does not preclude cooperation, and the Coast Guard will always look for opportunities to collaborate to solve complex issues. However, the Service must do so within the context of the Nation's national security interests.

The Coast Guard Strategic Plan 2018-2022, which represents our Senior Leaders’ shared vision to advance the Service over the next four years. This Strategic Plan supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Strategy (NSS) to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous homeland. The lines of effort in this plan emphasize our need to invest in Service readiness while fine-tuning mission execution and operational support to meet the needs of the Nation.

Table drop for Maritime Commerce Strategic Outlook

As a multi-mission, maritime armed force, with unique law enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory authorities, the Coast Guard ensures the safety, security, and stewardship of our Nation’s waters from internal waters to the outer limits of the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond. The Coast Guard leverages its unique authorities, jurisdiction, and operational capabilities to safeguard the effi cient and economical movement of maritime commerce through the MTS. No other U.S. Government agency can have such far-reaching impact within the maritime domain.

Sexual assault remains a significant problem affecting every segment of our society. It is a tragedy whenever it occurs and has no place in our Coast Guard. It is incompatible with our American values and our military culture. Sexual assault undermines our morale, degrades our readiness, damages our mission performance, breaks our obligation to one another, and erodes public trust in the nation’s Armed Forces. We have made noteworthy progress since the release of the 2013-2017 Coast Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Strategic Plan, but until we have eliminated this behavior, we will continue to work to execute the objectives within this plan.