Budget Highlights Book - DON FM&C Website - U.S. Navy

Protecting Readiness to Meet Today’s Challenges February 2010demands and will relieve deployment strain resulting from contingency operations.Personnel policies, organizational constructs, infrastructure, equipping/resetting theforce and training support have all been adjusted to sustain this end strengthincrease. The FY 2011 budget continues support for the Marine Corps rightsizingthe force by synchronizing infrastructure increases and equipment procurement tomatch the growth in end strength. This growth right‐sizes the Marine Corps for thenext contingency and resets the force stressed by the current conflicts to ensure ournation has a force that is fully prepared for employment as a Marine Air GroundTask Force (MAGTF) across the spectrum of conflict. Additionally, the FY 2011budget supports the priorities of resetting the force and modernizing for tomorrow.The equipment has passed the test of sustained operations. However, we mustcontinue to reset and modernize to “be most ready when the nation is least ready.”This is not easy with the intense usage and harsh environmental conditions in whichour Marines operate. As the conflict demands more of the force, the cost of resettingequipment to ensure unit readiness increases. In order to ensure unit readiness andprudent use of resources, difficult choices have been made between equipmentreplacement and modernization with the next generation of equipment.The FY 2011 budget supports the Marine Corps in its role in overseas contingencyoperations, while simultaneously supporting the Corps’ need to train, sustain, andmodernize itself. The Marine Corps has experienced equipment usage rates as muchas seven times greater than peacetime rates, tremendously decreasing projectedequipment lifespan. To support Marines in combat, the Corps has routinely drawndown additional equipment from its Maritime Prepositioning Ship squadrons andthese stocks need to be replenished so as to remain responsive to emerging threats.Congress has responded rapidly and generously to requests for equipment andincreased protection of our Marines and Sailors. Prudently managing theseresources, while transitioning to modernization, remains a primary responsibility.The FY 2011 budget is also structured toimprove the quality of life for our Marinesand their families. This budget providesfamily support programs within morale,welfare and recreation. These programsinclude family member employment,personal financial management andvolunteerism, exceptional family memberand new parent support.4‐16 FY 2011 Department of the Navy Budget