A Start

Alright,

I really haven't done much blogging. As much as I love technology, I really haven't gotten onboard with the whole Web 2.0 revolution. Maybe it's my job (no Myspace or Facebook on the ship), or simply just don't have anything to say. Well, as stated in my description, the intent of this blog is simply to address what I see from my level as a Junior Officer in the US Navy. I love what I do and in no way want to criticize those above me. I only hope to bring to light what I'm seeing to the general public and hope to help garner more support for the Navy mission. There was a poll taken a while back (sorry, I can't find the source) that showed the Navy had the lowest response in terms of which branch of the military was the most vital for national security. I hope to change that.

Anyway, I wanted to call attention to the article that I posted the link too the other day, America's Elegant Decline. It very gracefully addresses what I see as a real problem with the way our country manages it's defense spending.

For the last 70+ years, and in particular, the last 20, the US Navy has been unparalleled in size, strength, and capability. Recent missteps combined with bad press regarding LCS and DDG-1000 have really brought to light some issues that I see. In it's fight to remain relevant (and thus get a slice of the pie) with OIF and OEF, it seems that the Navy has done a very poor job of promoting what our job actually is. While this is NOT a criticism of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, it is an attempt to address current naval spending.

In real dollars, we spend more than any other country in the world, however as a percentage of our GDP, it's no where near what our next biggest rival, China, is spending. According to globalsecurity.org, China has been increasing it's spending largely since 2000, currently up to $57.22 billion in 2008. Granted, this is the stated budget, with no mention of what the actual spending is. Comparing that to our spending is like apples and oranges simply due to the nature of the labor in our two countries.

Anyway, I've taken a long road to get to a simple point. We, as a nation, are grossly understating the importance of our Navy and it's power or projection. I'm sure everyone remembers the debacle of going to the UN for permission to deploy our soldiers for Iraq. Contrast that to sending a carrier strike group 12 nautical miles (approximately 13.8 statute miles for you land types) off the coast of an aggressor country; no permission needed.

I do feel there is a fundamental flaw in the current thinking about how our Navy operates as well. There is a continual push for a more business-like approach both within the service as well as within Congress that's pushing for more savings and fewer people. What this leads too is an over-reliance on technology and shore sites that simply won't be available if and when a conflict arises. While I'm all about technology and using it to enhance our capabilities, we cannot rely on it as our sole source of ability. There's something to be said for manpower. Men won the Battle of Midway, not technology.

Anyway, that's enough ranting for now. I'd love your comments and questions. Thanks!

-Kiitana