Compass Points - Christmas & War

Worldwide conflicts continue.

Compass Points - Christmas & War

Worldwide conflicts continue.

December 24, 2024

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On this Christmas Eve, war and rumors of war continue.

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Notes from around the world:

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— Taiwan, which ratified a record defense budget of $20.2 billion in August as it contemplates rising Chinese aggression, received a first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks on home shores this month. — Defense News 12/20/2024

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— Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire”incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels. — AP 12/22/2024

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— Outnumbered Ukrainian troops are clinging to a section of Russian territory in hopes of using it as a bargaining chip in any future negotiations. — Washington Post 12/23/2024

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Despite all the ongoing wars and rumors of war, on this Christmas Eve, Compass Points extends a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to every Marine family and all friends of the Corps. On this special evening, gather the children together, fortify everyone with cookies and eggnog, and read out loud the traditional poem beloved by every (Marine) family:

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Introduction:

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‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

While the children all dreamed of Santa Claus,

Marines were discussing a different cause:

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The

Marine

Toolbox

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Marines stand on guard, aboard ships at sea,

Ready to launch their combined-arms machine.

Rescue, and safeguard, give aid, and much more.

Locate, close with, and crush every foe.

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Marines are a toolbox kept near Uncle Sam.

For fast resolution when troubles expand.

Today, there's concern ‘bout the tools in that set.

Will Sam find Marines prepared for what's next?

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It’s due to a theory, a Force Design mess,

That sadly has made a Marine Corps that's less.

The Marine Corps is less when its tools are removed.

When assets are taken, that battles have proved.

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Remove battalions?

You've taken a tool.

Remove artillery?

You've taken a tool.

And remove the tanks?

You've taken a tool.

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Reduce the number of flying frames?

Reduce the number of fighting Marines?

It all destroys the combined-arms machine!

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Why let a theory, a Force Design mess,

Deliver to Sam a Marine Corps that’s less?

The next U.S. crisis is just out of sight.

We'll need all the help, Marines must provide.

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Tubes, tanks, and support, plus Marines in the air,

Give Marines on the ground, the power to dare.

Let’s add the new drones, and latest high tech,

But make sure the Marines, stay in the attack!

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It's not just the red stripe, or swords that still gleam,

But the skill and might of combined-arms Marines!

Marines are a toolbox, kept near Uncle Sam,

For fast resolution, when troubles expand.

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And, sure as tomorrow, we'll face a new war,

Let’s fill Marine toolbox as full as before.

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©2024 -- JDK