Top Marine Defends Corps’ Lighter Direction
Gen. Berger responded to retired four-stars’ critiques by saying he’s building the right force to deter China.
CAITLIN M. KENNEY and BRADLEY PENISTON | APRIL 4, 2022 12:21 PM ET
The Marine Corps commandant pushed back against criticisms of his drive toward a lighter Corps, arguing that the reshaped force would better dissuade China from aggression in the Pacific region.
“This is the second time in my career we've had a pacing challenge,” he said at the Sea-Air-Space conference outside Washington, D.C. “In terms of campaigning, you need-the nation needs a force forward persistently, I would argue, that is also expeditionary and has a forcible entry capability. Why? Because that's your first opportunity to deter.”
Berger’s arguments were co-signed by his U.S. Navy counterpart.
“The deterrence piece is really important, fundamentally important, because it's a cornerstone in the [defense] secretary’s strategy,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, who joined the commandant on the conference’s opening panel.
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/04/marine-chief-defends-corps-lighter-direction/363971/
