Allowing recruits to use their cellphones during basic training comes as the Navy eyes ways to lower attrition rates and increase interest in joining up.
The alleged incident came as Russia and China conducted joint naval drills in the area, and follows other close encounters involving Russian and Western warships.
Though U.S. defense leaders often talk about great power competition in the future tense, the Navy’s leaders in U.S. 6th Fleet say it's already taking place in Europe. Perhaps nowhere is that clearer than the Black Sea.
Failure to maintain presence in the Arctic would “cede the space to the Russians or somebody else,” Lewis said, adding that it could also become a space where conflict arises.
Sea Breeze 21, which continues through July 10 in the Black Sea region, involves 32 countries that are contributing 5,000 troops, 32 ships, 40 aircraft, and 18 special operations and dive teams to the exercise.
The incident on Wednesday marks the first time since the Cold War era that Moscow has claimed to have used live ammunition to deter a NATO warship, reflecting soaring Russia-West tensions.
Sailors selected for the program will keep their current paygrade while collecting a paycheck and attending undergraduate courses full-time, along with receiving a $10,000 annual tuition stipend.