Leaders with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Forward Command Element arrive on Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 23, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir
The Naval Brief: Gen Z values; Combating heat; Body fat polices; and more..
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Transparency matters. Members of Gen Z want to be told why they’re being asked to do a task, but leaders within special operation forces are not typically so forthcoming, and that could affect motivation for younger troops, according to a new study, Defense One reports. Additionally, traits currently valued by SOF leaders, such as a warrior mindset and a sense of initiative, were not seen as important by the younger generation.
Cooling down. The military works rain or shine, but extreme heat is dangerous for troops. The Pentagon is looking into gear and equipment that will help keep people cool and continue operating or training in the future when the climate is expected to grow even hotter, Defense One reports. Cooling vests and shelters are some of the ideas officials are considering to protect the health of people working in extremely hot and humid conditions.
Double checking the tape. Marines who are found via a tape measure test to be over the service’s allowable body fat percentage will soon be able to verify those results with more advanced machines before being put in a remediation program or kicked out, according to new policy changes, Defense One reports. Women will also get a one percentage point increase in their allowable body fat from the current standard, a change that’s intended to improve readiness and reduce injuries.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. This past Sunday marked the five-year anniversary of the USS John S. McCain collision, which killed 10 sailors.
From Defense One
Defense One Radio, Ep. 107: The legacy of America's Afghan war, with Elliot Ackerman // Ben Watson
Two Afghanistan war veterans discuss some of the toughest lessons from America's 20-year war.
US Details Its Biggest Ukraine Arms Package Yet // Tara Copp
The $3B package—announced on the country's independence day—includes more than 300,000 artillery and mortar rounds.
7 in 10 Americans Want To Send More Weapons To Ukraine, Poll Finds // Jacqueline Feldscher
Survey shows Americans want to keep supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes despite inflation concerns at home.