CNO's Challenges

Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert appeared earlier today before the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss his nomination to become the next chief of naval operations. In written responses to questions asked by the committee before the hearing, Greenert had this to say about what the "major challenges" confronting the next CNO would be:

The major focus of the next CNO must be to maintain current readiness and provide ready, capable forces; to define and deliver a relevant naval force for the future; and to ensure we continue to attract a motivated, high-quality and diverse force of Sailors and civilians. The CNO’s enduring leadership covenant is to take care of those who serve today, including our wounded, ill and injured, and their families. The overarching challenge remains balancing priorities in a fiscally-constrained environment.

When asked what plans he had for addressing those challenges, Greenert responded:

If confirmed, I will remain committed to war fighting readiness to ensure we remain agile, capable, and ready forward. I will continue to employ our Fleet Response Plan while seeking to re-establish a sustainable level of operations consistent with our force structure. We must adapt our deployment models to ensure the viability of both current and future readiness, which involves reaching the expected service lives of our ships and aircraft at reasonable cost.

In light of budget realities, our acquisition programs will face increasing pressure; therefore, it is more important than ever to meticulously review requirements throughout the acquisition process. We will stay in lockstep with the acquisition community and Joint partners and be willing to change, adapt, and re-scope to meet evolving threats. I intend to partner with the Commandant of the Marine Corps in establishing the finest naval force attainable within fiscal limits; a Naval Force ready to respond today to today's crises -- anytime, anywhere. I also plan to remain open, transparent and collaborative with our fellow Services and OSD in efforts to seek cost savings while ensuring our Navy remains strong, effective and relevant. Internal to Navy, we will continue ongoing efforts to eliminate redundant processes, overhead, and costly infrastructures, as well as identify and adopt business best practices as standards for all.

I intend to be unwavering in our obligation to take care of Sailors and their Families through sustained program oversight and support. They are the Navy’s foundation. Attracting and retaining a diverse, high-quality Total Force will require innovative ways to communicate with the youth of our nation. Once aboard, we will provide opportunities for individuals to rise as far as their talents and ambitions allow.