Bold Alligator 17 scaled back? No big deal...real world always comes first!

via Press Release.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) will commence Bold Alligator 2017 (BA17) in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and at-sea Atlantic ranges Oct. 18 through Oct. 30.

Bold Alligator 17 will be a live, events-driven exercise featuring U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and partner nation forces. The exercises will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team tactical level training for amphibious operations which are core requirement to maritime power projection.

While the scope of the exercise has been modified because of U.S. and partner nation efforts in the wake of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, BA17 will incorporate amphibious, carrier strike group, air wing, and expeditionary mine countermeasures operations to provide a rigorous training environment for the combined forces. "The Bold Alligator exercise series advances how integrated naval forces operate with our allies and partners," said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, USFF. "Improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies with coalition, allied and partner nations is a necessary investment in the current and future readiness of our forces." 

I've heard wailing and gnashing of teeth over this exercise being scaled back because of a real world situation involving the aid of fellow citizens both on the continental United States and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands.

Why?

The US Navy and Marine Corps have conducted numerous exercises this year. To say that this is the one indispensable exercise is I think taking it much too far.

Real world always comes first!  Whether its combat or HA/DR on our own shores we always prioritize.  

Supporting Marines/Sailors in the field always comes before exercises depicting fictional scenarios.