The Future of Minimal Manning and Its Effects on the Acquisition and Life-Cycle Costs of Major Coast Guard Cutters

Since the 1970ʹs, the worldʹs merchant fleets have been pursuing crew reductions as a way to cut costs: however, the United States military has been slow to adopt this trend. In the current age of tight budgets and defense cutbacks, the Coast Guard and Navy can no longer afford to continue in this manner. Both services have now initiated research and acquisition projects which address minimal manning. These projects must be carried out and minimal manning practices implemented if our sea going services are expected to maintain their edge as world leaders. This paper presents a study designed to research the quest for minimally manned crews and its applicability to military vessels. It is meant to provide guidance to the United States Coast Guard and other interested parties on future surface combatant acquisition projects including but not limited to the Coast Guard Deepwater Program. Emphasis is placed on the theory behind automation and the organizational impacts associated with minimal manning.