The U.S. Navy is ready to execute the Nation's tasks at sea, from prompt and sustained combat operations to every-day forward-presence, diplomacy and relief efforts. We operate worldwide, in space, cyberspace, and throughout the maritime domain. The United States is and will remain a maritime nation, and our security and prosperity are inextricably linked to our ability to operate naval forces on, under and above the seas and oceans of the world. To that end, the Navy executes programs that enable our Sailors, Marines, civilians, and forces to meet existing and emerging challenges at sea with confidence. Six priorities guide today's planning, programming, and budgeting decisions: (1) maintain a credible, modern, and survivable sea based strategic deterrent; (2) sustain forward presence, distributed globally in places that matter; (3) develop the capability and capacity to win decisively; (4) focus on critical afloat and ashore readiness to ensure the Navy is adequately funded and ready; (5) enhance the Navy's asymmetric capabilities in the physical domains as well as in cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum; and (6) sustain a relevant industrial base, particularly in shipbuilding.

The NROTC Guide is the authoritative, first-to-market comprehensive guide to all aspects of the NROTC program. Written specifically for the audience most important to the health and vibrancy of the program�talented young people potentially interested in a career as an officer in the naval service. On an average year, the NROTC program commissions almost a quarter of the Navy�s active-duty officer accessions, approximately equal to the number commissioned by the U.S. Naval Academy. While myriad works exist describing the Annapolis experience, there is currently no book-format guide to the NROTC program, the application process, college life as an NROTC midshipman, commissioning options, or other concerns. Thus, this guide fills an information gap in an increasingly competitive market for America's talented youth.

Members of the naval service will find that at all points in their careers they can expect to be involved to some extent in the planning and execution c~fofficial ceremonies and social events. Protocol is a code of established guidelines on proper etiquette and precedence which, when followed, lays the foundation for a successfid event. From this foundation, the host should consider the facets which make a particular situation unique, and fi-om there, use imagination to design a memorable occasion. The most important consideration in planning should always be the comfort of one's guests. A clever hostlhostess is able to reach a proper mixture of protocol and common sense that will enable guests to enjoy themselves completely. If this is accomplished, an event is truly successful.