13 Comments

When I first became aware of FD2030 and then read the particulars, I was at first struck with the thought that this initiative is very narrow in scope with regard to a future foe. My next thoughts were around ingress/ egress of small units from within the PLA’s lethality zone. Next I was concerned about the logistics involved in resupply of many small units by sea and air while in the same lethality zone. The notion of these units being inserted , resupplied ,and withdrawn in stealth was bothersome in that the PLA has excellent means of observation and the ability to strike based upon them. Next concern is the idea of eliminating armor, some field artillery, and air assets in the hope that the Navy will fully sign on and build the ships necessary to support this . That is not a guarantee. As we all are aware, once something is discarded and unfunded it is extremely difficult to recover. Lastly and equally concerning are the proposed changes to the very core of what makes Marines. The very notion of entering service with rank and without the rights of passage and skills we all experienced plus the invaluable knowledge base associated with them is anathema to our professionalism , culture , and differentiation from the other services.

I am equally disturbed by the notion of quelling open and robust discussion. I do not view opposing thoughts from highly respected voices with hundreds of years experience as something to dismiss because it falls outside the dictates of , in relative terms, a small group of individuals who temporarily have control of our Corps. The dissent ,as I see it, is not some knee jerk reaction but well thought out questions, concerns , and requests for more visible and inclusive conversations before we jump into an abyss we will have difficulty crawling out of if this endeavor falls flat.

I have always has respect for the MCG as a highly professional journal that was a forum for all thoughts and discussion. I am troubled that it seems to be subject to pressure to limit the ability of those of us who have grave concerns over FD 2030 and what it may portend for the future of the Corps

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The idea that a small number of high ranking (4 star level)marine officers could completely revise the historic mission of our corps without promulgating their radical concepts to the whole of retired marines across our land, potentially jeopardizing our national defense, appears treasonous on its face.

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Here’s a proposal. Have the Corps conduct an HONEST wargame without the unreasonable and unsupported restrictions that they’ve imposed so far.

As the head of the Red Force ask Lt. Gen. P.K. Van Riper to head it. The last time Gen. Van Riper headed up the Red Force he used asymmetrical warfare and totally embarrassed the Blue Force. Instead of learning from the results they squandered the opportunity, much like the Army did with the Billy Mitchell proof of airpower.

To those who criticize the fact that there are many who question and criticize the FD 2030 concept, are suppressing a vital forum that hopefully leads to a more robust force structure. This is the way the Corps has survived, from the Corps concept tests of amphibious assaults to the use of close air support of troops in contact, the Corps has always listened, maybe reluctantly, to civilians with valid observations and criticism. It’s no different today.

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Berger's insanity and obsession with fighting the CHICOMs on some remote Pacific island neglects the other 98% of real world threats. Bring back the shed arty and bring back newer, lighter, lethal tanks.

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After digging into the Fd2030 documents and reading up on the threat and the NDS, I’m starting to find it hard to see why there is all this criticism. It seems the current CMC is just doing his job, the same way Gen Krulak once did his job. The more opposition is written, the sillier you guys sound. Enjoy your grandkids and let Gen Berger do his job for chrissakes.

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Pathetic comments with no substance to support Berger's insanity!

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I came to the same conclusion. Whining and silliness, much like what we are seeing with republicans.

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A very telling remark, Thanks for the heads up.

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author

Thanks for your comment.

See:

FD 2030 - 'Requires Honest Engagement'

Reply to War on the Rocks Article

November 18, 2022

FD 2030 - Unintended Consequences

Talent Management 2030 Endangers the Marine Corps

Oct 21, 2022

-- Compass Points

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When I first became aware of FD2030 and then read the particulars, I was at first struck with the thought that this initiative is very narrow in scope with regard to a future foe. My next thoughts were around ingress/ egress of small units from within the PLA’s lethality zone. Next I was concerned about the logistics involved in resupply of many small units by sea and air while in the same lethality zone. The notion of these units being inserted , resupplied ,and withdrawn in stealth was bothersome in that the PLA has excellent means of observation and the ability to strike based upon them. Next concern is the idea of eliminating armor, some field artillery, and air assets in the hope that the Navy will fully sign on and build the ships necessary to support this . That is not a guarantee. As we all are aware, once something is discarded and unfunded it is extremely difficult to recover. Lastly and equally concerning are the proposed changes to the very core of what makes Marines. The very notion of entering service with rank and without the rights of passage and skills we all experienced plus the invaluable knowledge base associated with them is anathema to our professionalism , culture , and differentiation from the other services.

I am equally disturbed by the notion of quelling open and robust discussion. I do not view opposing thoughts from highly respected voices with hundreds of years experience as something to dismiss because it falls outside the dictates of , in relative terms, a small group of individuals who temporarily have control of our Corps. The dissent ,as I see it, is not some knee jerk reaction but well thought out questions, concerns , and requests for more visible and inclusive conversations before we jump into an abyss we will have difficulty crawling out of if this endeavor falls flat.

I have always has respect for the MCG as a highly professional journal that was a forum for all thoughts and discussion. I am troubled that it seems to be subject to pressure to limit the ability of those of us who have grave concerns over FD 2030 and what it may portend for the future of the Corps

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AGREE. The current CMC tour is coming to a close so does the next CMC embrace a flawed singularly focused TTP (i.e. FD 2030) or leverage any promising aspects of FD 2030 for prototyping to include the Marine Corps Reserve (e.g. think Total Force) re-envisioning again the Corps being the Nation’s Force-In-Readiness that can make significant/meaningful capability contributions to the Combatant Commanders across the spectrum of conflict. Otherwise, the Corps is a readily available bill payer for the Navy or DOD or both.

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I couldn’t agree more. We all need to speak up, say something, and do something when we see something that needs to be addressed.

We cannot expect people to listen to us or follow us if we’re too afraid to speak up and speak the truth, admit when we’re wrong, and correct the wrongs done.

This is why I’ve been engaged with fellow Marines, Americans, and Congress to address the illegal, immoral, and illogical military mandates that continue on despite the many voices of reason speaking up and attempting to get Leadership to have these difficult but much needed conversations.

Here’s the Petition a few of us helped start that has the Military Whistleblower Report linked which we sent to Congress in August. Please read, sign, and share.

Thanks and God Bless!

Change.org/InvestigateDoDMandates

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