And second, we went into the process ensuring we would be fully funded in our manpower and operating accounts, in order to limit the need to re-program funding for the execution of contingency operations when crises arise. OSD has responded positively to our efforts, and we have had greater funds earmarked for our modernization efforts than we had expected. We still have a long way to go before our modernization programs can truly be called robust. That, again, is where we need your insight, creativity and innovation. Another important issue is quality of life.
Quality of life is more than new housing and swimming pools it is also good leadership.
Planning an exercise or movement over a three day holiday weekend is most likely short-sighted management, and is definitely bad for morale. Too many of these instances color our Sailors and Junior Officers views of senior leadership. As Admirals, some of you will control ship and exercise schedules. I implore you to look at those schedules as if you were a crewmember on that ship. We cannot afford to lose our best Sailors and officers because this facet of quality of life is ignored or poorly managed.