The Non-Compliant Vessel Pursuit (NCVP) program has been instrumental in stopping tons of illicit drugs and thousands of illegal migrants. Since its’ inception in 1999, as part of Operation New Frontier, the surface use of force (SUF) program has matured significantly and been expanded to include, not only cutter boats but also shore based boats, and deployable specialized forces (DSF). While the tactics and tools have continued to evolve, there are still critical components missing from the program. Aggression and violence by illegal operatives has steadily intensified over the last decade, and has already claimed the life of one Coast Guardsman. Failure to ensure pursuit proficiency will result in a significant escalation of risk, as our crews are more frequently exposed to NCVP …show more content…
The Coast Guard must address these deficiencies. The Coast Guard has committed to training its’ personnel according to FORCECOM’S Human Performance Cycle (HPC). The HPC dictates that optimum performance is achieved through Clear Guidance (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures or TTP), Relevant Training, and Quality Assessment. Coast Guard pursuit TTP’s are well documented in the Boat Operations and Training Manual Volume III (BOAT III), Maritime Law Enforcement Manual (MLEM), and Surface Dis-engage/Re-engage(SDRE) TTP. The Coast Guard had insured quality NCVP training programs were in place at the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) since 2002. In 2013, SMTC handed off the NCVP training element to the MLE Academy, and the curriculum was expanded to cover more over the gunwale boardings and crew responses to