Feature | June 14, 2018

Strategies

Strategic Priorities

  • Build the 21st Century Coast Guard
    Future mission success relies on continued recapitalization of Coast Guard boats, cutters, aircraft, systems, and infrastructure. Critical recapitalization programs include beginning production of Offshore Patrol Cutters, completing the Fast Response Cutter program, and initiating acquisition of new heavy icebreakers.
  • Maritime Border Security and TCOs
    Combating transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) at sea, where they are most vulnerable, severs the financial lines of criminal networks that destabilize governments, threaten rule of law, and spread violence throughout Central America. This effort includes intelligence-queued joint DHS, Department of Defense, and allied partner operations using forward deployed cutters with armed use-of-force capable rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft, and deployable specialized forces to disrupt and interdict illicit drug and human smuggling operations in the transit and approach zones of the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Basin.
  • Maritime Cybersecurity
    Cybersecurity is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a Nation. Government systems encounter a mounting array of emerging cyber threats that could severely compromise the Coast Guard’s ability to perform its essential missions. These growing threats also pose significant risks to our Nation’s Maritime Transportation System and critical infrastructure. With over 90% of the Nation’s goods moving via increasingly networked maritime conveyance, preserving cyber security is essential to overall safety, security, and effectiveness.
  • Increasing Activity in the Polar Regions
    As ice melts, and sea lanes and access to precious natural resources expand, the Nation must maintain adequate access and presence to address increased safety, security, and environmental risks associated with increased exploration, vessel traffic, and human activity. Improved governance through cooperation with other Arctic Nations and becoming party to the Law of the Sea Convention are critical to resolving competing claims by other nations and protecting U.S. sovereign rights in the Polar Regions, particularly the Arctic.
  • Increasing Maritime Commerce
    Address risks associated with increased domestic natural gas transport, deeper U.S. ports, and larger vessels due to the expansion of the Panama and Suez canals through compliance enforcement, regulatory frameworks, and prevention and response operations. The prosperity of our Nation is inextricably linked to a safe and efficient Maritime Transportation System.
  • Fiscal Management
    Stable, consistent funding streams and sound fiscal stewardship are essential to responsibly and economically execute the Coast Guard’s increasingly complex acquisition programs, and maintaining a well-trained and properly equipped military workforce.

In the Commandant’s Strategic Intent 2015-2019, we are called to fulfill our Service’s responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of our Nation’s waters. To do this, the Coast Guard must: understand our strategic environment, adapt to the strategic challenges in all domains, and achieve and maintain a resilient service that is always ready for the realities of the 21st century.

Explore below for information on the United States Coast Guard’s Strategic Priorities and Legislative Agenda.

Strategic Priorities

  • Build the 21st Century Coast Guard
    Future mission success relies on continued recapitalization of Coast Guard boats, cutters, aircraft, systems, and infrastructure. Critical recapitalization programs include beginning production of Offshore Patrol Cutters, completing the Fast Response Cutter program, and initiating acquisition of new heavy icebreakers.
  • Maritime Border Security and TCOs
    Combating transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) at sea, where they are most vulnerable, severs the financial lines of criminal networks that destabilize governments, threaten rule of law, and spread violence throughout Central America. This effort includes intelligence-queued joint DHS, Department of Defense, and allied partner operations using forward deployed cutters with armed use-of-force capable rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft, and deployable specialized forces to disrupt and interdict illicit drug and human smuggling operations in the transit and approach zones of the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Basin.
  • Maritime Cybersecurity
    Cybersecurity is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a Nation. Government systems encounter a mounting array of emerging cyber threats that could severely compromise the Coast Guard’s ability to perform its essential missions. These growing threats also pose significant risks to our Nation’s Maritime Transportation System and critical infrastructure. With over 90% of the Nation’s goods moving via increasingly networked maritime conveyance, preserving cyber security is essential to overall safety, security, and effectiveness.
  • Increasing Activity in the Polar Regions
    As ice melts, and sea lanes and access to precious natural resources expand, the Nation must maintain adequate access and presence to address increased safety, security, and environmental risks associated with increased exploration, vessel traffic, and human activity. Improved governance through cooperation with other Arctic Nations and becoming party to the Law of the Sea Convention are critical to resolving competing claims by other nations and protecting U.S. sovereign rights in the Polar Regions, particularly the Arctic.
  • Increasing Maritime Commerce
    Address risks associated with increased domestic natural gas transport, deeper U.S. ports, and larger vessels due to the expansion of the Panama and Suez canals through compliance enforcement, regulatory frameworks, and prevention and response operations. The prosperity of our Nation is inextricably linked to a safe and efficient Maritime Transportation System.
  • Fiscal Management
    Stable, consistent funding streams and sound fiscal stewardship are essential to responsibly and economically execute the Coast Guard’s increasingly complex acquisition programs, and maintaining a well-trained and properly equipped military workforce.

In the Commandant’s Strategic Intent 2015-2019, we are called to fulfill our Service’s responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of our Nation’s waters. To do this, the Coast Guard must: understand our strategic environment, adapt to the strategic challenges in all domains, and achieve and maintain a resilient service that is always ready for the realities of the 21st century.