I'm interested in hearing perspectives on IO and how the Navy (in particular, IWOs) contribute to that effort across the service.
- Is the IW community continuing the push away from IO? Is anyone aware of recent leadership comments/discussions on the topic?
- If not IW, then who else is positioned to take up the IO baton?
- SHOULD we care about IO when other services (most notably the Army) are so much better at it than us?
- Are there any comments regarding the (re)creation of AQD/specialization codes for IO? Should we push people with experience into those billets at the O-4+ level when integration of IRCs becomes more crucial?
It's easy for us to say we need to get back to our roots and focus on the technical, but I'm observing some things at the Major Command level regarding IO and the level of proficiency we have as a service and community, and frankly, I'm concerned. There are pockets of expertise, but we're falling way behind our sister services. Does that even matter? Can we afford to let the Army do our IO dirty work? I understand this is reviving a heated topic, but I'd like to get other perspectives before I run too far or too fast with this.
Thanks.
**edit following COMEVIL's reply** I am going to remain silent for a little while because I fear my opinions are already skewed based on current observations at the COCOM level. I'd rather hear/see what opinions others have on the topic before weighing in.