Is the Navy on the Right Course and Speed for the 21st Century?
Abstract
In 1992 and 1994, the Navy published two white papers, "...From the Sea" and "Forward...From the Sea," respectively. These papers shifted the Navy's military strategy from a focus on the Soviet threat to a focus on littoral or regional conflicts. For positive change to occur in the Navy, reforming and reshaping must take place in five areas: doctrine, culture, training, acquisitions, and promotions and recognition. "...From the Sea" and "Forward...From the Sea" are virtually meaningless documents if the Navy's focus is not genuinely on potential conflicts in the littorals. The two white papers merely justify roles and missions, which in turn justify the Navy's fiscal budget allocations. The change to a littoral strategy represents a drastic shift from the previous way of doing business. The Navy must change to support this new strategy, which will require more than publishing two white papers or buying new technology. Genuine effective change to bring into fruition maneuver warfare and the naval expeditionary force concepts mentioned in the white papers will not occur until the Navy makes fundamental organizational changes in the five areas mentioned. Although there is evidence that small amounts of change have taken place, the Navy is still at a stalemate with doctrinal issues; unaware of its cultural incongruence; and is operating "business as usual" in its training, acquisition, and promotion and recognition programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA527827
Entities
People
- Curtis D. Wray
Organizations
- Marine Corps University