Firing on the Up Roll

Needed: A Strategy for Unmanned Vehicles

The Navy’s Unmanned Campaign Framework is another example of technology driving strategy, instead of the reverse.

Harlan Ullman

September 2021

Mahan’s Illusory Command of the Seas

For generations of U.S. naval officers, Alfred Thayer Mahan has been the sea power prophet, the “command of the sea” his legacy.

Harlan Ullman

June 2021

Improvised explosive devices found in Baghdad in 2005

To Deter or Win Future Wars, the United States Must Reverse the Cost-Exchange Ratio

Congress and the American public must ensure the U.S. military reverses its tendency to spend a lot more money than its adversaries while yielding poor results.

Harlan Ullman

May 2021

Retired Army General Lloyd J. Austin III during his 19 January Senate confirmation hearing.

Questions Secretary Austin Should Have Been Asked by the Senate

At his confirmation hearing, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was not asked enough difficult questions about his philosophy for leading a department that needs to be radically transformed.

Harlan Ullman

February 2021

The incoming Biden administration must pay attention to defense budgets, strategies and organizations to ensure the military remains ready and the next SecDef is well equipped to deal with these challenges.

What The Next Administration Faces in Providing for the Common Defense

The incoming Biden administration must pay attention to defense budgets, strategies, and organizations to ensure the Pentagon is well equipped to deal with current challenges.

Harlan Ullman

December 2020

U.S. and Japanese ships transit in formation with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), left, after a successful undersea warfare exercise involving the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.

Battle Force 2045 Raises Important Questions

This week, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper outlined his plan for the future Navy called Battle Force 2045.

Harlan Ullman

October 2020

What Would Ernie King Do If He Were CNO Today?

Suppose Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King magically reappeared and was elevated to Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) tomorrow—what would he do to address the Navy's problems?

Harlan K. Ullman

July 2020

Captain Brett Crozier, former commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

COVID-19 and USS Theodore Roosevelt: The Chain of Command Did Not Work

Had the chain of command worked as the USS Theodore Roosevelt dealt with an outbreak of the coronavirus, Captain Brett Crozier would still be in command.

Harlan K. Ullman

June 2020