THE MARINE CORPS AND THE NAVAL CAMPAIGN: THE NECESSARY CONTEXT OF DEBATE
JOSEPH MOZZIAPRIL 7, 2022
COMMENTARY
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“Only a rare elasticity of mind could have enabled them to fight free from the influence of things once seen, and deeds once accomplished.”
–Marc Bloch
The Marine Corps’ symbiotic relationship with the U.S. Navy has provided expeditionary capabilities vital to America’s defense for over 200 years. It’s an interdependence that shapes the Marine approach to the changing demands of warfare and is central to the service’s identity. Many of the most respected Marine Corps leaders of recent history are uniting in opposition to differing aspects of the Marine Corps’ ongoing force design efforts. Yet the most public criticisms directed toward the divestment of tanks and cannon artillery, as well as those that attempt to anchor the service in a narrower mission, are missing critical context: The challenges posed by a future naval campaign and what it will demand from America’s expeditionary force. Force Design 2030 represents not just a recognition of the changing character of war but a forward-looking focus on the Marine Corps’ role as a vital component of America’s naval service and joint force. This requires an evolved expeditionary force capable of a wider variety of vital missions supporting a more capable fleet. Officers like myself will see our communities change rapidly as we strive to meet the needs of the current environment. Keeping the broader context of change an active part of the discussion is instrumental to understanding not only where we came from, but where we are going.
The U.S. Navy can no longer count on assured command of the sea in the event of conflict, and the challenges associated with maintaining a forward presence in contested environments demand a renewed emphasis on sea control. Building upon its identity as an expeditionary force in readiness, the Marine Corps needs new means to deter adversaries while remaining ready to maintain optionality and access for the other services of the U.S. military. The service’s oft-cited divestments are necessary steps in ensuring it remains relevant and prepared to meet the new challenges of a future conflict. Far from turning the service into a narrowly focused and limited force, its evolution will generate complementary capabilities including both stand-in and rotational expeditionary units.
https://warontherocks.com/2022/04/the-marine-corps-and-the-naval-campaign-the-necessary-context-of-debate/
