text: Chapter 9
  Maritime Considerations During Multinational Operations
  This chapter begins by discussing the characteristics of a maritime environment. It then
  discusses the characteristics of maritime forces, planning considerations, and an
  operational approach in a maritime environment. Lastly, the chapter provides
  considerations for commanders and staffs.
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MARITIME ENVIRONMENT
  9-1. In a maritime environment, key terrain is any land that friendly or enemy forces can occupy to attain a
  physical position of relative advantage. The maritime environment includes littoral and Arctic regions as well
  as land masses surrounded by large bodies of water. The littoral region has two segments: seaward and
  landward. Seaward segments include the area from open ocean to the shore. Landward segments are those
  areas inland from shore that forces can support and defend directly from the sea. The arctic region
  encompasses part of the areas of responsibility of three different geographic combatant commands, eight
  countries, and all time zones.
  9-2. The maritime environment challenges planners to account for operational reach. Planners must consider
  the impact of space and time on reinforcement of the existing forward-stationed forces and allies. The
  distance between bases throughout maritime regions hinders mutually supporting operations, sustainment,
  and reinforcement from supporting echelons in the theater. Isolation and distance increases vulnerability to
  amphibious raids by special purpose enemy forces, attacks from adversary long-range aircraft or missiles,
  and potential physical isolation by blockade from naval forces.
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTINATIONAL MARITIME FORCES
  9-3. Multinational maritime operations cover a range of military activities undertaken by multinational
  forces, across the competition continuum, to exercise sea control or project power ashore. Maritime forces
  are primarily navies. However, air forces, land forces, Army watercraft and port terminal detachments, and
  other government agencies all contribute to multinational operations in a maritime-dominated environment.
  9-4. The qualities that characterize maritime forces as political and military instruments that support coalition
  policies are readiness, flexibility, self-sustainability, and mobility. Maritime forces reassure or support allies
  and partners, deter aggression, influence unstable situations, and respond to aggression. Multinational
  maritime operations are built on multinational partnerships. Multinational partnerships enhance and expand
  the flexibility and mobility to respond promptly to developing crises. Multinational maritime operations
  require Army and multinational partners capable of being readily deployed globally to display the flexibility
  and mobility necessary to conduct operations in maritime environments.
  MARITIME FORCE FLEXIBILITY
  9-5. Maritime forces provide a wide range of weapons systems, military options, and logistics in support of
  multinational operations by land forces. Since the end of World War II, maritime forces resolved many
  international crises. These forces control the seas and provide diplomatic leverage in peace or times of crisis.
  They perform tasks ranging from forcible entry and strike operations to noncombatant evacuation operations,
  disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. Strategic and tactical command, control, and communications
  capabilities of maritime forces provide for a distinctly controlled force that complements diplomatic efforts.
  Maritime forces offer a presence without occupation and a deterrence without commitment. These enable
  and protect the strategic lines of communication upon which multinational land forces depend.
  MARITIME FORCE MOBILITY
  9-6. Maritime forces are less constrained by political boundaries than air or ground forces. Maritime forces
  deploy virtually anywhere in the world and transit the seas according to international law. With their strategic,
  operational, and tactical mobility, maritime forces—