Enclosure (1) to COMDTINST 5710.2A
Section 2
Strategic Framework
Core Values, Domestic Requirements, & National Security
Today's Coast Guard planners and operators allocate resources in a highly constrained
environment. This Plan provides CG resource planners justification and rationale for the use of
their resources in an international arena.
In evaluating why the Coast Guard should be engaged internationally it is critical to view this issue
from an overarching Service strategy perspective (see figure 1). We allocate resources to
implement a Coast Guard Strategy. This Strategy stems from what we determine to be Coast
Guard Interests and Objectives. These interests and objectives are shaped by three broad
criteria:
1.
Coast Guard Core Values. Our Core Values of honor, respect and devotion to duty are the
heart and soul of the Coast Guard. They include the freedom of our citizens, our democratic
government, a military service under civilian control, our respect for law, and our mandated
missions. Our international activities shall be consistent with and promote our Core Values
which will remain a constant regardless of the engagement level or the type of commitment.
Unique to us are the Coast Guard's five strategic goals attained through a balanced mix of
skills and multi-mission resources. Those goals are under the general categories of Safety,
Protection of Natural Resources, Mobility, Coastal Border Protection, and National Defense
(from the 1996 mission statement and strategic goals prepared under the Government
Performance and Results Act).
2.
Domestic Requirements. Domestic requirements weigh heavily in forming Coast Guard
Strategy. Our balance between missions is set by many criteria including mandate, customer
need, urgency, and political sensitivity. Generally a relatively stable allocation of resources
meets routine customer requirements for safe vessels, aids to navigation, vessel
documentation, etc. Unexpected or rapidly changing customer needs demand a reallocation of
resources, e.g., the resource demands of a marine casualty or natural disaster may require
suspending performance of routine missions.
3.
National Security Strategy. National security and foreign policy are described in the
President's National Security Strategy. Applications of this policy important to the Coast
Guard as one of the five military services include the National Military Strategy of the United
States of America, and regional CINC Plans such as United States Security Strategy for the
East Asia-Pacific Region. In a rapidly changing world, national policy is fluid and always
subject to confirmation by the Department of State (DOS).
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