The US Navy has released new “Fighting Instructions” that set a service-wide framework for combat, preparations, management, and equipment as global competition intensifies.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle unveiled the guidance at the US Naval War College, describing it as the military’s solution to a more contested and unpredictable theater.
Adaptable Capabilities
The document introduces a “Hedge Strategy” designed to make the fleet more flexible and better matched to specific missions.
“We find ourselves operating in an era with other great powers, an era in which the speed of decision ruthlessly punishes delay,” Caudle explained.
“The requirement for a strong, resilient, and globally present Navy has never been more important to our Nation’s defense.”
The Hedge Strategy blends high-end warships with smaller, scalable, and often unmanned systems.
These assets are expected to shift the force from a multi-purpose carrier strike group model and instead build “tailored forces” and “tailored offsets,” enabling customized groupings of ships, aircraft, and autonomous systems built for specific missions.
“Our Navy’s approach to combat can no longer be based on capability overmatch and winning by mass dominance alone,” Caudle said.
Harnessing Entire Fleet
The strategy also targets readiness across the US Navy’s 292-ship fleet, USNI News reported.
Currently, about one-third of ships are deployed, one-third are in repair, and one-third are in training or sustainment.
The service aims to surge 80 percent of the force within one month while cutting maintenance delays, which the instructions call the top limiter of fleet readiness.
Focus on Personnel
Caudle emphasized that naval troops remain central to the plan. “At the center of this vision will always be the United States Navy Sailor,” he said.
“They are our most enduring strategic advantage, our primary weapon system, and the heartbeat of our world-class Navy.”
