DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE COMMAND
2000 TRIDENT WAY
SAN DIEGO CA 92155-5599

 

5800

382
25 Jul 19

From: Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command
To: Naval Special Warfare

Subj: LETTER FROM THE COMMANDER

I. In our fast paced operational environment, the behavior of our people and the integrity of our organization
are continually being tested. The trust placed in Naval Special Warfare by our military and civilian leaders. the
TSOCs, and ultimately the American people must never be taken for granted. The responsibility for ethical and
professional behavior must be taken seriously?by everyone, at every level of our organization.

2. We have a problem. Some of our subordinate formations have failed to maintain good order and discipline
and as a result and for good reason, our NSW culture is being questioned. I don?t know yet if we have a culture
problem, 1 do know that we have a good order and discipline problem that must be addressed immediately. Good
order and discipline is the foundation for every military organization and it is a leadership responsibility. As
Commander, I own it. As Commodores, you also own it. We must now take a proactive approach to prevent
the next breach of ethical and professional behavior in our formations. instead of continuing on our current
consequence management approach.

3. By 7 August 2019, I am directing you to provide a written commander?s estimate that describes how you
and your command team will develop a plan of action that is informed by ?Naval Special Warfare?s Force
Ethics Assessment? dated 22 March 2019. This document gives a holistic assessment of the community to
include a way forward. As professional deveIOpment, 1 direct reading the ?rst 2 chapters of Tactical Ethic"
by Dick Couch. This book describes how we have had these problems in the past, and thus provides a case
study that we can use to recalibrate our culture and regain our credibility.
4. Additionally, I am directing you to engage everyone in your formations (in garrison and deployed) within
the next 2 weeks on this issue; I want all hands to understand that ?we have a problem" and that this is our
main effort and my top priority. I will review and consider your recommended actions to develop my direction
and way ahead to the Naval Special Warfare enterprise.
5. Your commander?s estimate will include:

a. Develop a problem statement from the ECH Ill and below perspective.

b. DeveIOp recommendations to ensure the NSW culture is aligned with our 

c. Develop a plan for ?buy in? from the ranks. with a sense of urgency.

(1. Describe your plan for intrusive leadership at the ECH Ill and below level.

6. I expect good order and discipline to be instilled in and maintained by everyone in NSW. I know our
leaders (officers and non-commissioned of?cers) are fully capable to take this on and I will strive to provide

inspired and inspiring leadership.

C. P. GREEN