The Impact of Overseas Troop Reductions in the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine

This report assesses the effects of postulated overseas troop reductions on the U.S.-flag merchant marine. It examines the effect that reductions of military general cargo will have on commercial liner vessel carriage on major trade routes with respect to (a) historical fluctuations of traffic and (b) the time required to regain the pre-reduction level of traffic. It also includes a limited treatment of the financial significance of military cargoes to individual liner companies. Cargo data are presented, by major theater and in the aggregate, for the years 1968-1975. This period not only spanned the peak years of Vietnam build-up and subsequent troop withdrawals, but also included major fluctuations in the fortunes of U.S.-flag shipping. (Author)