Publication

This study highlights the fundamental dilemma the US Navy and Marine Corps face in trying to project military power around the world. The services must either sustain their current operating tempo, and thereby risk breaking their forces, or reduce their forward presence and restore their readiness, primarily through adequate training, performing catch-up maintenance, and spending time at home. The text’s authors explain this dilemma is being driven by the limited number of forces that are available to meet the demands of Combatant Commanders, as adjudicated by the US Secretary of Defense. To close the gap, the US Department of Defense will need to ‘grow’ the fleet and its personnel, base more ships overseas, or pay to maintain a higher operating tempo.