ABSTRACT
Reach can broadly be defined as the distance from home bases at which operations can be carried out. Many of the statements that need to be made about reach look obvious the moment they are made. If a medium power has no extended vital interest beyond its economic zone, then it may judge that its reach need extend no further than the limit of that zone. The level of operation at which any particular degree of reach may be needed is a critical planning assessment for a medium power. Sustainability takes in both human and material factors. On the human side, the level of training of ships’ companies is an important factor, and just as important will be their habituation to long periods away from home ports and in unfamiliar waters. On the material side, sustainability means a combination of qualities in warships and auxiliaries themselves.
