Compass Points - 24/7/365 Deterrence?
The global Navy & Marine Corps team.
Compass Points - 24/7/365 Deterrence?
The global Navy & Marine Corps team.
January 9, 2026
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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.
Last week China was demonstrating its capabilities to blockade or invade Taiwan, as well as demonstrating the willingness to do so.
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TAIPEI/BEIJING: China fired rockets into waters off Taiwan on Tuesday, showcased new assault ships and dismissed prospects of US and allied intervention to block any future attack by Beijing to take control of the island in its most extensive war games to date. As part of drills rehearsing a blockade, China’s Eastern Theatre Command conducted 10 hours of live-fire exercises, launching rockets into waters to the north and south of the democratically governed island.
Chinese naval and air force units also simulated strikes on maritime and aerial targets and carried out anti-submarine drills around the island, while state media released images touting Beijing’s technological and military superiority and its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary. Named “Justice Mission 2025”, the drills began 11 days after the US announced a record US$11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, drawing the Chinese defence ministry’s ire and warnings that the military would “take forceful measures” in response.
-- New Straits Times
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Demonstrating both capabilities and willingness makes a military force dangerous and powerful. When a nation fails to demonstrate capabilities and willingness, it makes the nation weaker and increases the likelihood of future conflict.
Three examples of well known US operations.
1. On January 3, 2020, the US conducted a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport that killed a high-ranking Iranian military leader, Qasem Soleimani.
2. On June 22, 2025 the US executed air strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
3. On 3 January 2026, the United States launched military strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
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The problem is occasional air strikes, no matter how well executed, do not provide the full range of deterrence. These three operations demonstrated US capabilities and willingness. But how does the US demonstrate capabilities and willingness in between dramatic air strikes?
A crucial part of worldwide US deterrence is the US fleet.
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The Trump administration is advancing plans for a transformative new generation of naval warships.
Tentatively called the “Golden Fleet,” the concept seeks to overhaul the United States Navy’s structure and capabilities, integrating advanced weapons, autonomous systems, and diversified ship designs to confront rapidly evolving threats — most notably from China.
How did Trump come up with the ‘Golden Fleet’?
Discussions between senior White House and Pentagon officials are underway to chart a future course for the US Navy’s surface combatant force.
-- First Post
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When a Marine MAGTF onboard Navy amphibious ships arrives off any crisis coast or arrives at any allied port, the entire region takes notice. When Marines participate in training with local military forces or assist in humanitarian operations, locals marvel at the skill and professionalism of Marines.
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In a bombshell admission that confirms weeks of speculation and whispers across the Caribbean security landscape, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly acknowledged that U.S. Marines are indeed on the ground in Tobago, operating inside a tightly-controlled national security infrastructure upgrade at the ANR Robinson International Airport.
Speaking at a Friday briefing, the Prime Minister conceded that American military engineers and tactical support teams are working on radar, runway improvements, and strategic road access points—all ostensibly tied to strengthening the island’s surveillance capability.
But it was the reason for her earlier silence that sent shockwaves through Port of Spain, Scarborough, and the wider region.
-- Times Caribbean Online
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When Marines arrive anywhere in the world, the US is demonstrating both capabilities and willingness.
More Marines, on more golden fleet ships, on more oceans around the globe multiply US global deterrence. More forward deployed, combined arms, Marines make the US and allies safer, and makes adversaries hesitate.
For too many recent years, the Marine Corps has lost its way focusing on a plan to place Marine sensor and missile units off the coast of China. China is not deterred by small, lightly protected, sensor and missile units. To increase world wide deterrence, the US needs much more from the Marine Corps. While occasional air strikes, an be dramatic and successful, that is not enough to project worldwide deterrence 24/7/365. It takes a global fleet, including Navy amphibious ships loaded with Marines, to provide constant, powerful deterrence around the globe.
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New Straits Times - 12/30/2025
China encircles Taiwan in massive military display
By Reuters
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Firstpost - 10/27/2025
What is the ‘Golden Fleet’ of navy ships that Trump wants to counter China with?
By FP Explainers
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Times Caribbean Online - 11/29/2025
PM KAMLA ADMITS U.S. MARINES ARE IN TOBAGO
https://timescaribbeanonline.com/pm-kamla-admits-u-s-marines-are-in-tobago/
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The USMC contribution to deterrence today is exactly what? FD-2030 is still a vision and when fully mature will be an irritant rather than deterrent. Best case the irritant will be restricted to one geographic location. As for the rest of the globe? That is easily summarized as “ can’t get there and can’t prevail in a conventional fight if we could get there.” Essentially no deterrence at all.
In this forum we have discussed what would be needed to rebuild a potent and mobile Marine Corps. There are no indications that the solutions are forthcoming. The Corps continues full speed ahead into irrelevance.
Unless something changes drastically we will be the former all pro running back relegated to the far end of the bench in the twilight of his career. .
Outstanding article, as usual. Compass Points should be read at every morning formation. Unfortunately, small minds and small “solutions” is all we’ve seen in our Corps for the past decade. Semper Fi