Strategic readiness review released by Navy officials
NewsDecember 18, 2017
WASHINGTON. Navy officials released the Strategic Readiness Review (SRR) noting an emphasis on readiness as the primary enabler of warfighting capability and capacity must be re-energized, embedded, and continuously monitored throughout the Naval enterprise.
The SRR provided four broad strategic recommendations:
- Re-establish Readiness as a Priority;
- Match Supply and Demand;
- Establish Clear Command and Control Relationships; and
- Become a True Learning Organization.
The review comes after recent surface fleet incidents that resulted in significant loss of life and injury. Navy officials stated that the SRR was independent review by a team of subject matter experts that examined the systemic conditions influencing and existing within the Navy over the last 30 years.
The SRR’ assessments and judgments are independent of the U.S. Fleet Forces-led Comprehensive Review, but its findings were considered for the SRR even though both reviews were conducted concurrently. The SRR team consulted with leading corporations, organizations, and current and past Department of Defense (DoD) officials and advisors during a 90-day time period.
The team also reviewed past studies and current instructions. The review looked beyond the particulars of individual ship and crew performance to examine the state of major generators of readiness; governance, operations, command and control; organizational structure; personnel management; and the fiscal environment during and since the end of the Cold War.
The SRR examined stress on the force due to operational culture, budgetary tradeoffs, accountability structures and risk management. Of particular importance was the examination of the force's prolonged deviation from accepted standards, which, in hindsight, had become normalized and subsequently institutionalized.
Additionally, the Strategic Review analyzed career patterns, manning trends, training architectures, operational tempo and the infusion of new technologies into the fleet.
These elements were evaluated and assessed for their cumulative effect on the Navy's operational readiness against shifts in U.S. strategy and evolving peer-on-peer threats.
The secretary of the Navy has begun to take action to address readiness issues, but Navy officials stress that improvements will not happen overnight and require sustained focus, commitment, and funding. Recommendations of the SRR will continue to be examined by the secretary of the Navy for acceptance and subsequent implementation.
Read the full review here.
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