Problem
While the Navy is no stranger to deployments, frequently extended deployments place the force in uncharted waters. However, even with a shrinking fleet and budget constraints such as sequestration and the continuing resolution, the need for naval presence is still in high demand. The …show more content…
Additionally, the human factor remains an important point when discussing the problems that arise from extended deployments. Retention and morale are two aspects that are vital to a unit and forces long term success. The Navy has attempted to combat this through hardship duty pay for Sailors deployed more than 220 days (Osborn, 2014). Maintenance, another critical mission area also suffers. Frequently, ships and equipment out of necessity get pressed beyond capacity. When a service faces personnel and material concerns, readiness degrades. Now that we have discussed the problems that arise from extended deployments, we will discuss the …show more content…
According to the Chief of Naval Operations, Our responsibility to get through maintenance on time, get through the training cycle on time so you deploy ready from every aspect, that's what this FRP is doing (Seck, 2016). Aligning with the FRP is the primary and best solution. Through the FRP, the fleet will optimize readiness, have stability within the deployment schedule, and be able to conduct maintenance within periodicity. While several other options such as increase fleet size and deployment days per unit are also options. Neither is as plausible and sustainable as the FRP. Hazardous duty pay deserves a mention however, that is compensation and not a