Our operational tempo is fast-paced, but manageable. Our Marines and sailors are motivated and combat ready, and morale is outstanding. Both ground and aviation equipment readiness are acceptable. However, I am strongly concerned about the potential impact of years of underfunding in our modernization, military construction, family housing, and maintenance of real property accounts. I am pleased to report that we have no major long term shortages of ammunition.
Deployment is our way of life.
On any given day, over 23,000 Marines are forward deployed throughout the world, ready to immediately carry out national command authority taskings. At any given time, the Corps has three MEUs either deployed to or enroute to the western Pacific Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea. Our goal is 180 days or less deployed time per unit per year, with a two to one turn around ratio or at least 12 months between each 6-month deployment. We see no future reduction in tempo. Known requirements for deployments and joint and other training exercises will continue to cause our Marines to spend time away from home.