SENTINELS OF THE SEA: Quick-Look Report

 SENTINELS OF THE SEA is a tabletop exercise (TTX) developed to improve common understanding of regional maritime domain awareness (MDA) capacities and enable more information sharing to address shared maritime security concerns. The game identified decisions, processes, requirements, and constraints that influence information sharing in the Indo- Pacific and explored ways to enhance participating countries’ shared MDA through improved information sharing. The TTX was sponsored by the US Pacific Fleet N5 (Plans and Policy) and Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/CTF-73. The game was held on August 13, 2024, as part of the annual SEACAT multilateral exercise’s Senior Leader Forum.

After a brief overview of the game, we discuss the challenges and key decision-making processes identified during game play and explore possible implications for necessary changes in information sharing.