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CNO Makes Delivering Human Capital Strategy a Top Priority

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050815-14
Release Date: 8/15/2005 4:12:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen told manpower and personnel officials Aug. 10 the time is now to deliver a comprehensive 21st Century Human Capital Strategy (HCS) for Sailors.

"I've been on record saying that sustaining our readiness and building the fleet for the future are two of my top priorities, and they are," Mullen said. "But I don't think we can accomplish either one without a strong focus on our people and their families. Getting it right for them in the future is what the Human Capital Strategy is all about, and I am interested in stepping out on it."

Mullen made his remarks to the HCS Symposium at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. It was the third such symposium Navy leaders have conducted.

"This symposium builds on the great strategy work done to date and is an excellent forum to educate the cadre of specialists, provide a valuable opportunity to network with other members and lay the groundwork for the working-level meeting in December," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing.

The HCS is designed to provide overarching guidance to achieve capabilities-based and competency-focused workforce alignment with joint and Navy mission requirements.

Mullen said the HCS must include a focus on continuing education, executive development and duty in joint billets.

"We have amazing talent in the Navy," Mullen said, "and we need to continually look for ways to send that talent to challenging, meaningful, joint duty. It's a joint world out there, and it's getting more joint every day. The war on terror proves that."

The CNO also said he was looking for ways to improve diversity across the Navy. He noted the contributions of the year-old Diversity Directorate in increasing awareness but pledged his support to doing more.

"We need leaders for and from every part of our Navy. I want to take big steps each year to improve our diversity, especially in leadership positions, and I want a human capital strategy that helps us do that."

He praised the progress made on HCS and thanked the symposium attendees for their dedication. He also charged them to keep up the pace and encouraged them to try out new ideas on their own as they develop the strategy.

"Don't wait for me," he said.