OMFTS: The Right Fit for USPACOM Versus an Emerging China or 'The Emperor's New Cloths

摘要

OMFTS emerges as an operational concept, tailored to support USPACOM as America and China move along converging paths. Their respective strategies and divergent political philosophies, particularly in their approaches to regional and international relations, could produce future tensions, crisis or conflict. As China embarks upon a bold program of military and economic development, the United States could face a decline in its geostrategic position. China and the Asia Pacific region are within USPACOM's expansive area of responsibility. USPACOM's strategic focus is peace engagement and deterrence. Effective deterrence is predicated upon credible resolve, and the means with which to demonstrate it. Operational factors, space, time, and forces, are acute in the USPACOM AOR. The loss of forward bases could provide China with an opportunity to aggressively pursue disputed territorial claims. OMFTS promises to mitigate or restore the geostrategic balance, enhance deterrence, or should it fail provide a decisive winning strike.