One of the most valuable aspects of our annual international navies issue is that it opens a window on the world and allows us to learn what peers and allies are thinking. We often forget that we are just one actor on the stage, so buried are we in our own concerns over defense budgets, combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and developing future weapon systems. It is illuminating to find out how other nations view us. That was brought home to us at Proceedings when we read the responses to this year’s question put to the world’s CNOs.
As budget debates continue, significant cuts in defense appropriations appear inevitable. With that in mind, we decided to ask naval commanders from far and wide the following: “Some see U.S. global naval engagement diminishing and the world’s power structure realigning itself over the coming decade. In what ways would this affect your navy?” One of the most surprising aspects of the 26 responses we received was how many considered it unlikely that U.S. naval engagement would decline in any meaningful way. The United States and its Navy are seen as such an integral part of the global commons that few can conceive of that ever changing. As an added benefit this year, our Web site offers the contributions of these leaders translated into their native languages. We hope that this will enhance the conversation for the men and women who serve in their respective navies.
In keeping with the international flavor of this issue, Italian Navy Captain Paolo Pezzutti, a former NATO military assistant to the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, details the new Alliance Maritime Strategy, a document more than two years in the making and ratified in January 2011. According to Captain Pezzutti, the strategy tries to strike a balance between defense and security in what the organization is calling “the maritime dimension.” While the challenges run the gamut from law enforcement to defense of the world’s sea lines of communications, he says the alliance nations are well-placed to meet the current threats, but they need to adapt to what may be on the horizon.
Because of its proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan is central to many discussions of U.S. strategy in the war on terrorism. But retired Pakistan Navy Commander Muhammad Azam Khan reminds us that India remains central to his nation’s security policy. Particularly troubling is India’s Cold Start doctrine, designed to fight a swift, limited war to destroy Pakistan’s military potential. Commander Khan also warns that should U.S. naval forces in Asia diminish, the void would be quickly filled by China or India.
Many no doubt recall Art Pine’s superb profile of new Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert Papp that appeared in our August issue. This month we’re thrilled to welcome the Commandant to our pages as a contributor for the first time since he assumed his post. In “Charting the Coast Guard’s Course,” Admiral Papp gives a state-of-the-service report and lays out his agenda going forward. One of his major concerns is the great stress placed on both the Coast Guard’s personnel and equipment. Pulling no punches, he says he will reduce the service’s “range of capabilities and activities until we are properly resourced to perform them.” He knows this will force tough choices but they will be necessary to sustain the Coast Guard’s mission of protecting and saving American citizens.
Some consider former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to be one of the most polarizing political figures of the past decade. Not long after he stepped down from his post, we tried to persuade him to sit for an interview with Proceedings, without success. “He will not be granting interviews until he’s finished with his book,” we were told. When news broke that the book would finally be released, we reconnected with his office and landed our interview, scheduled a mere three business days before deadline. Managing Editor Fred Schultz plowed through the 800-page tome and composed a list of questions he would ask Secretary Rumsfeld face-to-face in his Washington office. A major player in this team effort was Rebecca Smith, who transcribed the recorded interview over the ensuing weekend. Becky is officially the Naval Institute’s Web administrator, but she’s also a talented “Jill of all trades,” always willing to lend a hand. The result, titled “So Much We Don’t Know,” appears here in the classic Proceedings Q&A format.