CAPSTONE U.S. Marine Corps Service Perspective Gen. John M. Paxton Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps 12 May 2015 1 Agenda • • • • • • • • • Priorities Strategic Concept Emerging Security Environment USMC w/in the Joint Force “Institutional” Challenges Environmental Stressors Leadership GO/FO/SES Backups 2 Priorities Priorities for 21st Defense Primary Missions of the Armed Forces: Counter Terrorism & IW Effective Nuclear Deterrent Deter & Defeat Aggression Defend the Homeland & Support Civil Authorities Project Power Despite A2D2 Provide a Stabilizing Presence Counter WMD Conduct Stability & COIN Operate in Cyberspace & Space Conduct HADR and Other Operations Joint Force 2020 Globally Integrated Operations “…Joint Force elements, postured around the globe, can combine quickly with each other and mission partners to harmonize capabilities fluidly across domains, echelons, geographic boundaries, and organizational affiliations.” Commandant’s Planning Guidance The Marine Corps is the Nation’s expeditionary force in readiness. That reflects the intent of the 82nd Congress and shapes our culture, organization, training, equipment and priorities. On a day-to-day basis, we are forward deployed, forward engaged, and prepared for crisis response. We are also ready to respond in the event of a major contingency. The American people have come to expect us to do what must be done “in any clime and place” and under any conditions. They expect us to respond quickly and to win. 3 Strategic Concept • • • • From Iwo Jima to the Bended Knee Task Force Smith & Pusan Perimeter From the 82nd Congress to the “New Norm” Beyond OEF and OIF…Naval, Integrated, Joint • “Must be the most ready when the nation is least ready” 4 USMC Strategic Concept If you don’t understand this, You don’t know Marines… Why mess with 239 years of success? Emerging Security Environment Sources of Stress Nuclear Armed States NPT Non-Signatory Undeclared / Emerging NAS World Top Ten Oil Reserves Water Stress Conflict Terrorism Crime Youth Bulge Undernourished Populations As we look ahead, we see a world of increasing instability and conflict, characterized by poverty, competition for resources, urbanization, overpopulation and extremism. Failed states or those that can not adequately govern their territory can become safe havens for terrorist, insurgent and criminal groups that threaten the U.S. and our allies. 6 Emerging Security Environment… Numbers are Telling… 70% of the world is water 95% of international communications travels via underwater cables 21 of the world’s 28 mega-cities are within 62 mi / 100 km of the sea 42,000 trading ships are underway daily 49% of the world’s oil travels through 7 major sea chokepoints 95% of the world’s commerce moves by sea 50% of the world's population lives within 62 mi / 100 km of a coast “…At the Geo-Strategic level, it’s all about the littorals.” 7 The Marine Corps Within the Joint Force AIR FORCE Air Space NAVY Oceans CCJO Cyber JOAC JFEO ARMY Ground EM A2AD ASB 8 “Institutional” Challenges What keeps us awake at night … 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. “Winning” in OEF/ RSM “Containing” ISIS/ISIL Reset & Reconstitution Maintaining Balance (5 Pillars) Readiness / Responsiveness 6. Cyberspace 7. Health of the Force a. Behavioral Health, Mental Health b. Marines & Family Readiness c. Alcohol/Sexual Assault/ “Illities” … all in the context of the future fiscal and security environment. 9 Environment Stressors EXTERNAL INTERNAL • • • • Sequestration (BCA, BBA) Continuing Resolution (CR) National Debt Congressional Impasse • • • • Readiness ... Responsiveness Modernization Sustainment Morale (MCRMC, D2D, Reenlist & Promo) 10 GO/FO/SES Leadership • Communications (facts & expectations) • Relationships • Time Management – Deep/close/rear – Supporting/supported • Balance (“good enough”) • Effecting Change (plans/leaders/traction) 11 GO/FO/SES Leadership • • • • • • Twain # 1: “Attribution” Twain # 2: “Right” Berra # 1: “Reality” Berra # 2: “90%” Kipling # 1: “If” Pace #1: “Stay” 12 Possible Q&A Topics 1. Budget (PB, BCA, BBA) 2. Force Structure/ roles & missions 3. Relationships with other services 4. Afghanistan (RSM vs. OEF) 5. “New Norm”/ “Arab Spring” / “ISIS-ISIL” 6. Pacific Posture (DPRI-DL) & MRFD 7. Equipment Priorities 8. Policies (WISRR/DCGAR, SAPR, SAMP/Ethics) 9. Cyber 13 Backups 14 Operation Sahayogi Haat’ “Helping Hand” 15 Enduring Principles         Marines are focused on combat; every Marine is a rifleman. Marines are ready, relevant, and forward deployed. Marines are innovative, adaptable, and versatile; Marines win. Marines do what is right for the Nation. Marines keep their honor clean. Marines take care of their own. The Marine Corps is a naval expeditionary force. The Marine Corps is an integrated combined arms organization of complementary air, ground, and logistics components.  The Marine Corps is a good steward of the Nation’s resources. …“Our shared responsibility is to remain true to these enduring principles as we innovate and adapt for the future”… General Dunford 16 Five Pillars of Readiness 1. High Quality People 2. Unit Readiness 3. Capacity to meet Combatant Commander Requirements 4. Infrastructure Sustainment 5. Equipment Modernization 17 DoD Budget in Context 18 Historical Perspective 19 Rising Costs – USMC Infantry 20 Rising Costs – US Navy Ships 21 Cost of Readiness 22 What Really Matters 23