American Naval Strategy in a Time of Declining Resources.

• Author: Sempa, Francis P.

American Naval Strategy in a Time of Declining Resources

By Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations

Text: http://www.aei.org/files/2013/09/09/-transcript-squaring-the-circlegreenert_094024574425.pdf

Video: http://www.aei.org/events/2013/09/05/squaring-the-circle-admiral-jonatha-w-greenert-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/

In a recent talk at the American Enterprise Institute, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert discussed how the navy is operating and planning in an era of declining resources. Budget constraints affect manpower, force structure, deployment, forward presence, and planning for the future.

He made clear that the future involves continuing to re-balance to the Asia-Pacific region. He noted the navy's expanding relationship with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia. Admiral Greenert also mentioned the evolving relationship with both China and Russia, including military-to-military contacts.

Strategy cannot help but be affected by resources. The navy, he noted, has about 630,000 personnel: 320,000 active duty; 110,000 reserves; and 200,000 civilians. The number of ships is down to 285, with an average deployment of 95 at a time throughout the world.

The navy's mission, according to the Admiral, is to deter aggression, reassure allies, and ensure that U.S. interests are protected all over the world. There...