U.S. is Entering a Crucial Period of Naval Power Considerations, says Malik J. Mullino
As America enters a new decade within a century that’s still young, many are wondering what shape its fighting force will assume. So much of the tactics, vehicles and even leadership hail from an era long gone by. These concepts will need to be re-imagined for the 21st century and U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Force SgtMaj Malik J. Mullino wants to set the stage for readers. Having spent more than two decades defending our country, Malik Mullino is uniquely situated to comment on the shape of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the coming years.
Mr. Mullino is a decorated veteran who most recently served as Sergeant Major for the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing from May 2016 through April 2018. With this tour of duty among many others to his name, Malik J. Mullino wants fellow citizens to know more about the future of our armed forces. It’s important to understand that Mr. Mullino is speaking from experience when he discusses the possible future of the branches of the U.S. armed forces. He enlisted in January 1993 and would soon be assigned duties as an AV-8B Harrier avionics technician. In addition to military education courses, he also served as Avionics Division Chief with Marine Attack Squadron-214, company First Sergeant with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and Sergeant Major for 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
Military.com took a recent look at the future of the U.S. Navy and deemed the coming decade “a critical time of transition.” Since the U.S. Marine Corps is a sister service alongside the Navy, Malik J. Mullino thinks it is important to understand what the future could hold. Per the article, the U.S. Navy will need to maintain its edge over seaborne forces from Russia and China. “Based on the trajectory that the Chinese are on right now — and again, I don’t mean to be dramatic — I just sense that this is not a decade that we can afford to lose ground,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday told the news outlet. Accomplishing this may very well require a more powerful fleet that is comprised of both firepower and nimble undersea submarines while also considering “unmanned” ships. The latter item would require significant federal funding: “$2 billion on 10 large unmanned surface vessels by 2025,” according to the article. This plan has recently been walked back, but by no means has it been eliminated from short-term plans.
Malik Mullino, who is a decorated veteran with commendations from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, invites readers to check back often. He will offer additional insight into military affairs from the vantage of someone who has served this country with honor.
