Enclosure (1) to COMDTINST 5710.2A
Figure 1. Coast Guard Strategy and resource allocation process.
Coast Guard International Strategic Plan
Using Semper Paratus 2020 as a foundation, we routinely consider Domestic Requirements
criteria when allocating resources, but we need to sharpen our skills in applying the National
Security Strategy criteria. When faced with requests to support an international mission, such as
one that primarily supports the National Security Strategy, there is a tendency to jump
immediately to Resource Allocation.
This Plan is the mechanism by which most international mission requirements are inserted into the
Coast Guard Strategy. Fundamentally, all Service mission requirements are considered in light
of the Service's overarching strategy. Simply put, we should ask: "Is what I am doing aligned with
the Commandant's international strategic guidance."
Figure 1 reflects an ideal process where one would methodically apply the National Security
Strategy and CG Domestic Requirements as criteria to form Coast Guard Strategy and allocate
resources. However, the realities of today reveal that resource availability often dictate a change to
the proposed strategy. In effect, strategy is heavily driven by resources, resulting in strategy
formulation and resource allocation being an interactive process. The formulation of our
International Strategic Plan is not rigid; significant participation in the process is encouraged. That
participation is highlighted by the Area Commanders, operational Assistant Commandants and
Director, International Affairs formulating the objectives and actions required to achieve the
strategic goals of this Plan. At the same time alignment and coordination must be assured through
the organizational linkages and processes.
Domestic Operations, Foreign Operations, and International Engagement
Figure 2 illustrates the complexity of Coast Guard-wide strategic goals (represented by ellipses)
overlaid on the fields of domestic and international interests. Wherever they occur, Coast Guard
operations should be grounded in our Service's strategic goals and missions and be in the interest of
the United States. The nexus of the ellipses appropriately has a domestic mission focus. Outside
the sphere of Coast Guard international operations directly relevant to our missions, our
international engagements are meant to support agencies which hold the proper mandate for the
engagement.
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