USCG mulls options in the face of sequestration

The US Coast Guard (USCG) is awaiting clarification on the impact of sequestration on its programmes and personnel, according to its commandant Admiral Robert Papp.

Speaking to IHS Jane's following a keynote address at the US Naval Institute West Conference in San Diego, California, Adm Papp said that while the other military services were facing approximately 10% reductions in funding across all accounts, with the exception of military personnel, his service was still determining where the cuts would come from and how deeply.

"I make estimates. I make predictions, and my staff is working through their scenarios on various levels of cuts," Adm Papp said. "I've looked at a full range of options and it all depends. I can't comment on that 10%."

He did say that the USCG was considering options including reducing recruitment, cutting operations, and furloughing some or all of the service's 8,000 civilian employees.

Unlike the other US armed services the USCG is a hybrid military maritime enforcement organisation. The service is attached to the US Department of Homeland Security and has a relatively modest budget of USD8 billion compared to the combined USD600 billion of the other services.