Apply reasonable mine shock hardening and effective acoustic and magnetic signature reduction technologies to all new-construction ships.

Build an expendable mine neutralization system capable of being used, with minimal adjustment, by AMCM helicopters, by the MCM-1 and MHC-51 MCM ships, and by small MCM surface craft yet to be introduced.

Continue research to reveal the acoustic detection and classification methods used by dolphins. Emulate this capability to radically improve sonar sensor performance.

Continue to develop synthetic aperture sonar technologies to significantly improve the location and classification of mines from a safe distance.

Establish a research and demonstration program for rigid polyurethane foam causeway concepts.

Support the development of mechanical methods-ploughs, chains, and power blades.

Develop guinea pig ships and barges to verify clear paths to the beach.

Consider unmanned, precisely navigated, hardened platforms.

Specifically test precision bombing techniques for removal of mines in shallow water and in the surf and craft landing zones. Investigate this technique in light of newly developing higher-yield explosives.

Support further development of explosive MCM methods such as net and line charges.

Support research on pulse power technologies; this should include demonstration of concept and performance measurements.

Take full advantage of new modeling and simulation tools with initial focus on fleet-level applications, training, exercises, decision aids, and tactical development.

Reinvigorate the mine design team to provide effective offensive mining concepts and exploit threat mines.

Continue to develop technologies to improve environmental characterization for improved sensor performance, including through-the-sensor environmental measurement methods.

Provide systems and training that will allow the fleet to conduct night MCM operations.