Compass Points - 24/7/365 Deterrence?
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Marine Corps Compass Points
Jan 09, 2026
Marine Corps Compass Points
Broader Thinking, Deeper Understanding, and Better Decisions, for a Stronger Marine Corps
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Occasional deterrence?
Or 24/7/365 deterrence?
The primary function of the US military is global deterrence. The best way to win wars is to deter them before they begin. Strong deterrence means less fighting. Weak deterrence results in more fighting.
Deterrence is made of two crucial ingredients: 1. demonstrated capabilities, and 2. demonstrated willingness.
It is not enough to have strong capabilities. A nation must demonstrate that it has the willingness to use those capabilities. Short of war, the best way to demonstrate capabilities is to use them in real world exercises or brief operations.
That is what China did last week.
https://marinecorpscompasspoints.substack.com/p/compass-points-247365-deterrence
