Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday released his initial guidance to the fleet, Dec. 4.The guidance was issued via a fragmentary order (FRAGO) and is intended to simplify, prioritize and build on the foundation of “A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority 2.0,” issued by – then CNO – Adm. John Richardson in December 2018. “Mission one for every Sailor – uniformed and civilian, active and reserve – is the operational readiness of today’s Navy. A ready Navy – ready to fight today – with a commitment to training, maintenance and modernization will ensure a Navy for ready for tomorrow.” Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval OperationsWhile Gilday said that the Navy’s strategic direction focused on Great Power Competition is sound,

Along with a base game warden, U.S. Marines launched an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system as part of Operation Buck Rogers on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, December 3, 2019.Operation Buck Rogers is an annual survey to count the wildlife, more specifically the mule deer population. “I am pleased with the results of Operation Buck Rogers. We are paving the way to do things like counting deer, finding lost Marines, in a way that is faster, cheaper and safer.” Maj. Julio Gonzalez, the regional ASCO and the ATC training and readiness officer with Marine Corps Installations West, MCB Camp Pendleton“We used to do this survey by helicopter and it’s expensive and it is hazardous,” said Michael Tucker, a game warden with MCB Camp

U.S. Marines participated in an active shooter training Nov. 26, on Camp Foster. Marines with Provost Marshal Office conducted the training to ensure readiness and reliability in the event of an active shooter.Military Police spent the day engaging in the active shooter training provided. The first half of the day consisted of a period of instruction in a classroom setting, and the second half was a practical applications portion of an active shooter scenario. “Today was very beneficial training. The training we do ensures that we do not become complacent. We have the ability to practice and train to stay on top of it and keep our minds sharp.” Cpl. Jonathan Cosgrove, a patrol supervisor with Headquarters and Support BattalionDuring the

U.S. Marines and Soldiers from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct training exercise Forest Light Middle Army at Aibano Training Area in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan from Dec. 1 to Dec. 13, 2019.The forces will conduct a bilateral, combined arms exercise and live fire training in conjunction withground and aviation units. During this iteration, the combined force will focus on helicopter-borne operations, with a comprehensive final training event that will begin with an aerial insert from MV-22B Ospreys, and consist of multiple days of complex bilateral movements against an opposing force. “When we train together like this, we develop the kind of proficiency that is required for two different units, from two different militaries,