Getting Back on Course

Colin Clark is highlighting a new report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies titled Abandon Ships: The Costly Illusion of Unaffordable Transformation. Colin has some interesting commentary worth reading, and it is noteworthy we have more calls for some leadership changes in the Navy.

We have not read the report yet, but with buildup like this from Colin, looks like its a must read for the weekend.

Their analysis zeroes right in on the absence of any strategic vision for the Navy. “The problem starts at a conceptual disconnect between strategy and reality. The Navy’s ‘Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower’ is a set of concepts that was not linked to any clearly defined force plan, modernization plan, program, or budget. Navy shipbuilding plans are now shaped more as the result of budgetary constraints than as a response to strategic requirements. They seem to be an expression of wishful thinking rather than a realistic strategic guideline for naval procurement.”

It gets worse. “The Navy’s procurement policy is in serious disarray, and is creating situation where the most serious threat to the US Navy is now the US Navy.” Can you hear the Chinese admirals chuckling in the background?

With the political phase in Georgia picking up steam, we are closing the book on that topic and moving back towards a bunch of good material we have been putting off. The CSIS article will probably find its way into the discussion, as it appears to fit next weeks theme well.

We are also going to start something new next week. We are going to start publishing contributions from readers, although very limited at first as we try it out. As a blog whose readership can apparently stomach 2500 word articles, we think we offer an alternative medium for those who write articles for a naval centric audience. We see what the Small Wars Journal is doing, and have long believed something like that is needed for Navy centric discussions. Rather than waiting for someone else to facilitate it, we will open up the blog and see if the interest is there-- at least until someone comes along and does it better.

We also think that perhaps opening up the blog will give us a way to provide balance in the future to discussions like the recent DDG-1000 hearing in the House. We don't apologize for having strong opinions, but we are flexible enough to allow alternative points of view; indeed we think discussions like that deserve alternative points of view. I doubt we'll see anyone from the Navy or industry take up the offer, but you never know.

Finally, we can tip off that next week the theme takes the US Navy to war. We haven't had a theme week on naval combat in several months so we are clearly due, particularly with the Olympics in the background and the Navy’s new strategic focus. Personally speaking, I'm biting my upper lip not to comment in CDR Salamander's latest LCS post, which in my opinion, is the best post and comment thread regarding the Navy this week. Eagle1 had some thoughts to. We will definitely be building off those conversations very soon.

Sid and Ken, bring your A-Game. We have a lot of newbies in the comments lately that may need a lesson by the professionals. Should be fun.