Neller releases first FRAGO

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller has released his first fragmentary order detailing his vision for the service over the next four years.

The order, released last month and entitled "Advance to Contact," builds on the Planning Guidance established by the last Marine Corps commandant and current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford. When he assumed the top position in the Marine Corps last September, Neller had said he would not release new planning guidance, with Dunford's marching orders remaining in effect.

"This Frag Order will ensure we maintain the momentum we have gained as an institution over the past year," Neller writes. "It provides a refined course that accounts for our current operational tempo and the ever changing security environment, and sets near term goals necessary to meet our obligations. This document is an axis of advance to create balance across the Corps so we remain 'most ready when the Nation is least ready,' both now and in the future."

The document focuses on near-term efforts the Marine Corps will undertake in five areas: people; readiness; training/simulation/experimentation; integration with the naval and joint force; and modernization and technology.