U.S. Marines from the Marine Corps Reserves practice a mission rehearsal exercise on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 11, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Kayla LaMar
The Naval Brief: State of the Navy and Marine Corps; Marine uniform and grooming update; and more...
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
State of the Navy. Deterring Russia in Europe is keeping the USS Harry S. Truman busy in the Mediterranean Sea, while the Navy keeps an eye on China and the Pacific region. The Navy is expected to ask for more ships soon, while also retiring some newer platforms earlier than planned. Read more in the State of the Navy .
State of the Marine Corps. It’s seven years from Force Design’s 2030 deadline. China is still the Marine Corps’ primary focus, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And the Marines are still not going to ask for more money than what they’re given. Read more in the State of the Marine Corps.
Wardrobe update. Marines can now have their name tags include accent marks, tildes, and hyphens, and can wear olive drab or black socks while in their combat utility uniform, according to a new administrative message. Women can now wear french manicures in any uniform, pregnant Marines have options on the way for their dress blue uniform and workout shorts, and approved maternity and nursing undershirts are now available. Read more, including an increase in approved “hair bulk,” here.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1903, George Dewey was commissioned Admiral of the Navy, the only person to ever hold the rank.
From Defense One
US Mulls Larger Permanent Force in Europe, Sends More Missiles to Ukraine // Tara Copp
U.S., NATO will take "hard look" at European security footprint no matter how the Ukrainian fight goes, U.S. official says.
White House Bureaucracy Is Costing Ukrainian Lives, Senators Say // Jacqueline Feldscher
Lawmakers are urging Biden to send more aid and enforce sanctions as quickly as possible to help Ukraine beat Russia.
It's Time for a Protected Humanitarian Airlift into Lviv // Philip Breedlove and Barry Pavel
Russia has no right to dictate who may fly into and out of Ukrainian airspace.