Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?

Probably not, I don't live near a major port.


John H wrote:

Would I get to mount a .50 calibre on the bow?

Looking for a way to get up on plane quicker?

Actually I think an M249 would be more likely, Mama Deuce would probably shake
your boat (and mine too) to pieces.





RG wrote:
Not likely. (snip for brevity)
4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me.

Totally agree. I put in my time in Uncle Sam's Canoe Club, and have no wish to
play weekend warrior or revisit "glory days" (which they weren't).


But since I'm inland, most likely a
moot question for me since I have nothing much to guard, with the possible
exceptions of Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, which actually would be
tactically devastating targets if hit successfully. But I wouldn't think
they'd likely be targeted from the water. More likely from above, I would
think. Interesting question, though.

I dunno, the British had some very serious ordnance experts work on the problem
of dam removal during WW2 and concluded that a special depth charge sunk right
against the upstream face and detonated at the bottom, would be the easiest and
surest way to take out a big dam.

For the Hoover Dam, I think it's more likely that terrorists would try a truck
bomb. I understand they've closed the road across the top of the Hoover Dam,
though.

Regards
Doug King