CNO’s Guiding Principles – A refresher

• Our primary mission is warfighting. All our efforts to improve capabilities, developpeople, and structure our organizations should be grounded in this fundamental responsibility.  
• People are the Navy’s foundation. We have a professional and moral obligation to uphold a covenantwith Sailors, Civilians and their families – to ably lead, equip, train and motivate.
• Ourapproach should be Joint and combined when possible. However,we own the sea, and must also be able to operate independently when necessary. 
• Our primary Joint partner is the U.S. Marine Corps. We must continue to evolve how we will operateand fight as expeditionary warfare partners. 
• At sea and ashore, we must be ready to part with Navy roles, programs and traditionsif they are not integral to our future vision or a core element of our mission.  
• Wemust ensure today’s force is ready for its assignedmissions. Maintaining ships and aircraftto their expected service lives is an essential contribution to fleet capacity.  
• OurNavy Ethos defines us and describes the standard for character and behavior. 
• We must clearly and directly communicate our intent and expectations both within and outsidethe Navy. 
• I believe in the “Charge of Command.” We will train and empower our leaderswith authorities commensurate with their responsibilities.

I hope someone in your chain of command has discussed this with you on some level.  If not, seek them out and ask why not?  This should end up in the Chiefs Mess, the wardroom and in the Plan of the Week.  Help get it there.  Bring it up.