Navy, Marine Corps finalize new operations concept

The Navy and Marine Corps finalized a new operations concept on Sept. 1 that meshes future methods being explored by both services.

Rear Adm. Phil Cullom said the “Naval Operations Concept” will be promulgated this week on the Navy Web site. Cullom, director for strategy and policy on the staff of the chief of naval operations, spoke Tuesday during a forum for military officers and industry representatives in Arlington, Va.


Cullom said Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Mike Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, signed the document before the Labor Day weekend.

Speaking to reporters after his remarks, Cullom offered the example of the Corps using small units of distributed forces supported by new Navy concepts like one- or two-ship “global fleet stations,” which are essentially maritime forward operating bases.

While he said the Navy will soon develop its own operating concept, the latest work is blue and green.

“It’s a naval operating concept for the Navy and Marine Corps,” he said.