The Navy’s Latest Is Not a Plan, Not a Strategy, and Not Fighting Instructions

The U.S. Navy's new _Fighting Instructions_ from the Chief of Naval Operations is criticized as being an aspirational vision rather than a functional strategy. The document fails to provide concrete force planning guidance, address the Navy's immediate material and readiness crises, or make necessary strategic tradeoffs. It is argued that the instructions lack the specificity required to guide procurement, prioritize resources, or prepare the fleet for conflict against a peer adversary. Ultimately, the document functions as an institutional vision that does not impose the hard decisions needed for war readiness.