Improve Manning Options for Small Craft Action Teams

Abstract

The current practice of assigning Small Craft Action Team (SCAT) duties to Sailors onboard U.S. Navy destroyers poses significant risks to ship protection against small boat attacks. This approach relies on Sailors who take on SCAT responsibilities as a collateral duty, often lacking the specialized training and precision required for optimal performance in high-stakes scenarios. This thesis proposes integrating U.S. Marines into SCAT roles to address these challenges by leveraging their specialized combat training and tactical expertise. This study evaluates SCAT practices, Marine training protocols, and cost implications through a comprehensive approach that includes operational readiness analysis, a detailed cost estimation exercise, and a review of relevant policies. Findings demonstrate that Marine integration significantly enhances SCAT precision, readiness, and effectiveness, providing a robust solution to modern asymmetric threats. The cost analysis reveals that the benefits of this approach far outweigh the financial investment over the course of a military career. These measures ensure superior shipboard defense, reduce vulnerabilities, and align with the Navy’s mission to maintain maritime dominance.