Strategy as a naval command responsibility

Which modern naval developments are most concerning, and what offers reassurance?

Senior commanders disclaiming strategy is troubling; more serious exercises and future-focused work offer some reassurance.

Senior operational command cannot be separated from strategic judgment. A flag officer who describes himself as only an operator is avoiding responsibility for deciding what operations are meant to achieve. That disclaimer contrasts with the constant thought demanded from people who perform dangerous operational work at lower levels. More serious exercises and future-oriented ideas from Royal Navy personnel and engineers offer some confidence that the service is recovering the connection between operations and strategy.