security assistance to their former colonies and in helping African nations with development needs. Many of these issues cannot be solved militarily. Broad-based US assistance is essential in the face of natural disasters such as drought and locust infestation and the active interference of the Soviet Union, Libya, and Cuba. Only through long-term consistent support can the unity and self-sufficiency of African. states be achieved.

MARITIME ENVIRONMENT

The ability to deploy and reinforce US forces in support of overseas interests and to ensure the uninterrupted flow of strategic materials is an essential element of US military power. For these reasons, the US Navy maintains forces capable of seeking out and destroying enemy naval forces, maintaining local air and sea control, projecting forces ashore, supporting

ground forces, and transporting forces and supplies. The maritime balance, therefore, must be viewed from a global perspective.

The Soviet Navy, while receiving less priority than Soviet rocket and land forces, continues to evolve into a balanced force capable of performing sea control missions in waters contiguous to the USSR and sea denial operations. Figures III-17 to III-20 compare selected US and Soviet naval trends. The Soviets are introducing nuclear-powered warships with greater firepower and endurance into their surface fleet. The introduction of a larger aircraft carrier in the early 1990s will be a significant improvement over the KIEV-class and will enhance the Soviet capability for open-ocean operations.

Soviet cruisers and guided missile destroyers joining the fleet have advanced antiship, antisubmarine,

and antiair weapon systems. The expansion and modernization of the general purpose submarine force includes the addition of new classes of nuclearpowered attack submarines (SSNs). Improved Soviet Naval Aviation (SNA) land-based bombers pose an increasing threat to US and allied surface ships. US Navy surface forces still possess a significant advantage over the Soviet Navy in open-ocean antisurface warfare. US land-based aircraft can also provide assistance in defending the sea lines of communication. P-3, B-52, and other aircraft with the capability to deliver mines and launch HARPOON anti-ship missiles now provide added support against enemy surface targets. Land-based tankers and fighters operating in conjunction with Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) provide additional capability against the SNA threat.

US naval capabilities will continue to lead the Soviets. The US Navy will maintain its open-ocean superiority and continue to improve its capability to operate in high-threat areas while performing

FIGURE III-17

missions in support of allies and forces ashore. Soviet naval forces will continue to be constrained by geography and lack of sustainability.

SECURITY ASSISTANCE

Security assistance programs contribute to US national security objectives by assisting allies and friends to meet their defense needs and supporting collective security efforts. Security assistance is an essential element of foreign policy and a cost-effective way to build positive government-to-government relations. It is administered by the Department of State even though the Department of Defense is responsible for implementing the program. By sharing costs and effort, many countries can achieve a level of mutual security that they could not attain independently. By strengthening US allies and friends, security assistance programs also serve as an economy-of-force measure that allows the United States to concentrate its available forces in areas of greatest threat. For these reasons, security assistance is an integral part of US military strategy.

US Navy

Soviet Navy.

As of 30 September 1986 FIGURE III-19

Of the four elements, FMSCR, MAP, IMET and ESF, the mix of program elements will vary from one country to the next. Annually, a very careful analysis of the recipient country's needs is conducted by a combined team of senior country officials, US country team members, CINC staff, and Washington agencies. The resulting security assistance program recommended to Congress is tailored for the individual country. Some may require a substantial measure of FMSCR or MAP. Today, there is not enough of either in the overall program approved by Congress.

Foreign Military Sales and Foreign
Military Sales Credit Programs

The FMS Program enables eligible governments to purchase defense equipment, services, and training from the United States on a cash basis. FMSCR is available to countries proposed by the

cost to the United States by providing urgently required training to foreign forces.

Economic Support Fund

The ESF provides economic assistance on a grant or low cost loan basis to selected countries having special political and security interest to the United States. This very important Agency for International Development (AID) program is designed to help correct the economic problems of countries by funding and encouraging creation of growth industries. In many instances, popular grievances, and lowintensity conflict can be averted through economic stabilization and growth.

Peacekeeping Operations

PKO enable the United States to participate in multinational operations necessary to help prevent international conflicts. PKO were established to provide for that portion of security assistance devoted to programs such as the Multinational Force and Observers and the US contribution to the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Palestine.

Security Assistance Initiatives

Over the past few years, legislative initiatives have been introduced to increase the flexibility and effectiveness of the security assistance program. These initiatives were designed to provide more flexibility in planning, production, and delivery, thus making security assistance a more responsive tool of US national security objectives.

Soviet Security Assistance

Weapon transfers continue to be an important Soviet means of projecting influence. Over the past five years, Soviet arms sales agreements have totaled $79 billion. Although Soviet arms agreements are sometimes directed toward disrupting regional stability, recipients have been attracted by favorable. financial terms and quick delivery. In recent years, the sale of military equipment has become a more important source of hard currency and commodities for the Soviet Union. In several instances, Soviet weapon transfers have provided a means of acquiring base access rights abroad. Weapon transfers also provide an entree for Soviet advisors into the recipient's military establishment, allowing them to exert influence through control of training, maintenance, and spare parts and the sale of newer equipment.

Since 1955, nearly 80,000 military personnel from less-developed countries have been trained in the