CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast cover image

CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast

Rebroadcast: The Navy and Strategic Competition with China

Dec 25, 2024
David M. Finkelstein, a retired U.S. Army officer and expert on China, joins Gordon Jaquith, formerly of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Ann Parcell, who directs Navy HR programs. They discuss how the Navy must adapt to strategic competition with China without resorting to armed conflict. Key topics include the balance of high-end warfare and peacetime operations, the integration of commercial drones in naval strategy, and the recruitment challenges facing the Navy amid evolving military needs.
30:33

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The U.S. Navy must recalibrate its strategies and fleet capabilities to compete effectively in both high-stakes and lower-intensity conflicts with China.
  • Recruitment and retention of qualified personnel are critical for operational effectiveness, necessitating adaptive strategies and enhanced support measures for Navy staff.

Deep dives

The Expanding Role of the U.S. Navy

The changing dynamics of global security necessitate an increased focus on the U.S. Navy's role in strategic competition, particularly with China. The fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act has expanded the Navy's responsibilities to not only prepare for armed conflict but also to protect U.S. interests during peacetime competition. Analysts emphasize the need for a recalibrated Navy that can handle both high-stakes conflicts and lower-intensity challenges, suggesting that a future fleet should differ significantly from the current one to ensure readiness. This reflects a crucial transition as the U.S. Navy navigates a new era independent from the context of the global war on terror.

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