Page 31 - MDSL Final

UNDERSTANDING MARITIME DOCTRINE
Maritime and Naval Strategy

A maritime strategy comprehends naval strategy but is broader in
nature. Maritime strategy is creating and orchestrating the elements
of sea power in the spectrum of conflict (peace and war) to achieve
national maritime policy objectives.

A naval strategy deals mainly with the development and employment
of naval forces. It is the planning and conduct of war at sea, the naval
equivalent of military strategy on land.

Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (MDSL)

MDSL recognises the different levels at which decisions are made and
at which operations are conducted. These levels include the Grand
Strategic, Military Strategic, Operational and Tactical. MDSL promulgates
Maritime Doctrine at the Military Strategic level but in so doing also
deliberates relevant facets of the operational level.

Throughout the MDSL, much emphasis is placed upon ways in which
naval forces conduct operations at sea and from the sea whilst enable
operations ashore. One of the most important features in the Doctrine
is the prominence given to the absolute dependence of SLN capability
upon the people who serve and support SLN.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 13