Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance: DOD Needs a Strategic, Risk-Based Approach to Enhance Its Maritime Domain Awareness

Authors: Davi M. D'Agostino; Joseph Kirschbaum; Alisa Beyninson; Christy Bilardo; Stephen Caldwell; Gina Flacco; Brent Helt; Greg Marchand; Timothy Persons; Steven Putansu; GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC

Abstract:

Since September 11, 2001, the federal government has emphasized the need for a coordinated response to maritime threats. In December 2004, the White House issued National Security Presidential Directive 41 (NSPD- 41)/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 (HSPD-13), Maritime Security Policy, defining maritime domain awareness as the effective understanding of anything associated with the global maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the United States. NSPD-41/HSPD-13 also directed the Secretaries of Defense and of Homeland Security to jointly lead an interagency effort to prepare a National Strategy for Maritime Security to align all federal government maritime security programs and initiatives into a comprehensive and cohesive national effort involving appropriate federal, state, local, and private sector entities. Interagency coordination for maritime domain awareness is primarily exercised within the Maritime Security Interagency Policy Committee, which reports to the National Security Council Deputies Committee. A Maritime Domain Awareness Stakeholders Board consists of representatives from all departments and the intelligence community advises the Maritime Security Interagency Policy Committee through its Executive Steering Committee. DOD, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Transportation have all appointed executive agents for maritime domain awareness who, together with a representative of the intelligence community, constitute the Maritime Domain Awareness Stakeholder Board Executive Steering Committee.

Limitations:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE