National Security Leaders Forum Speech by Admiral Mike Mullen, USN, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Click here to watch the video of Admiral Mullen's address.

Admiral Mullen was appointed on October 1, 2007, as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  He takes over leadership of the most powerful and influential military in the world at a perilous moment in US history. With our men and women in uniform engaged in war in Iraq and Afghanistan and playing an increasingly vital role in critical humanitarian and natural disaster relief operations, Admiral Mullen’s leadership will prove invaluable in the months and years to come.
 
Admiral Mullen’s first keynote address at the Center for a New American Security’s National Security Leadership Forum offered guidance and a path forward. Admiral Mullen identified three realities and priorities for his time as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  His remarks provide a blueprint for how America’s military will respond to threats in the coming years. Admiral Mullen noted the military complications of a world where conflict will be persistent and will require persistent engagement. Improving the health of America’s military will be an imperative priority for Admiral Mullen and he is extremely concerned with the current stresses on wellbeing and family life.  Finally, Admiral Mullen emphasized the importance of balancing traditional and non-traditional security operations.