Compass Points - Contrary Comments
Gary Anderson and readers expand the discussion
Compass Points - Contrary Comments
Gary Anderson and readers expand the discussion
August 17, 2024
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In his recent article in Real Clear Defense, author and Marine, Gary Anderson forcefully argues, "We Need a Real Marine Corps To Fight a Two Front War."
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Until 2019, the United States was reasonably well positioned to wage a two-front war, The theory was win-hold-win, Win in the major theater (in this case China). Hold in the secondary theater (Iran here); then win in MRC 2.
The key to the two MRC strategy was the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps had several capabilities vital to the second MRC.
The Marine Corps previously had a rapid reaction air-alert capability that could put a light infantry force on the ground within twenty-four hours. This, combined with army light infantry, (82d Airborne, 101st Air Assault, and 10th Mountain divisions). These elements would act as a tripwire to discourage the adversary from crossing the line of departure or as a blocking force on the brink of hostilities.
The real Marine Corps contribution would come with the arrival of a Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit with a small, but potent combined arms team replete with armor, artillery, aviation, and assault engineers. In the Iran example it would be the MEU stationed 24/7 in the Persian Gulf/Indian Ocean region. Next would come a full combined arms capability in the form of a Maritime Pre-positioned Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MPS) with a full complement of tanks, artillery, combat aircraft, and assault engineers.
In the Iranian case (second MRC), the MPS set stationed at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean would be used. As needed, the other two MPS sets could be added to make up a full division/ air wing/ logistics team or corps- sized Marine Expeditionary force. If needed additional divisions, and air wings could reinforce the MEF as needed. This was exactly what happened in Desert Shield/Storm and Iraqi Freedom, but that capability no longer exists.
Inexplicably, starting in 2019, the Marine Corps transformed itself from a robust combined arms team into a combination of light infantry and coastal artillery.
-- Gary Anderson, Real Clear Defense
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Some observers disagree with Gary Anderson. They believe the decline in Marine Corps combined arms, crisis response units, equipment, and capabilities is a good thing. One Compass Points reader has advocated for a much smaller, lighter, and less combined arms capable Marine Corps -- more of a Ninja Marine Corps.
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We, the Corps, need to be a combination of Commando, Massad, ninja, Cyber spook, CIA analyst, and Ambassador.
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Ninja Marine Corps?
Compass Points readers have responded online and off with a treasure load of comments, insights, and analysis. Only one of the comments is re-posted below. Most of the full comments are available for reading on the Compass Points site. As always, comments have been edited for length and content. Compass Points appreciates different viewpoints, all the thoughtful comments, and the professional give and take of all readers. Many thanks!
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Polarbear
Sorry but I ain’t buying this: ”Combination of Commando, Massad, ninja, Cyber spook, CIA analyst” or SOCCOM, is not going to win a global peer-to-peer war with China. I don’t think any of those will even deter China from a war. As far as another Tarawa or Iwo, I hope not, but China’s A2AD capabilities is old school and we are witnessing its counter. Look at what is happening in Israel and the Red Sea. Arleigh-Burke Destroyers and the Iron Dome is knocking down missiles and drone very effectively. A2AD missiles are subject to targeting and they were not decisive in the Ukraine war. A2AD missiles are a weapons system that can be overcome. The US is behind on anti-missile defense but we are catching up.
When did the Navy and Marine Corps conduct an amphibious operation in WW2 when they didn’t control the air and the SLOCs. Controlling the SLOCs in a global war will bring the CCP to the table. We certainly don’t need to invade China. If Taiwan is invaded the decision to retake or reinforce it will be a political decision and not a Marine Corps decision.
“So this focus on Commando like Ops is exactly what CMC Gen Papa Bear Al Gray wanted. He said it. "Our Marines are America's Commandos." Sorry but I don’t buy that either. When I heard General Gray talk, it was about the flexibility of the MAGTF that he worked very hard to enhance. He added a fourth company to the ARGs, yes they were SOC capable but he always increased combat power vs reduce it. He added the LAVs when the army was yelling “it ain’t a tank” therefore it ain’t any good.
SOCCOM is important but they will not be decisive in a peer-to-peer war with the CCP.
Tell me how Marine Raiders are turning the Marine Corps into a "Commandos" or how SOCCOM (with Marine Raiders) is going to solve the problems of A2AD and missile defense? Or will they solve the Navy's ship building and maintenance issues? As we shift our strategic focus to the Pacific the other military services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) are on the hook to solve those issues. And they are working on those issues. If SOCCOM is attempting to strengthen our regional partners, that is a good thing. But why do they need Marine Raiders help with that mission? If SOCCOM mission is to train and strengthen our allies, great! … let them do it. But I don't think SOCCOM needs operational control of Marine Raiders to do it. I also think a little help from the State Department in the area of treaties and agreements would be of greater value.
One of General Gray's significant contributions was FMFM 1 Warfighting that states "for our purposes war may range from intense clashes between large military forces - backed by an official declaration of war - to convert hostilities which barely reach the threshold of violence." I interpret that as saying the Marine Corps needs to be ready for all warfighting. I don't see how turning the Marine Corps solely into a commando unit is going to fulfill that statement.
-- Polarbear
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Compass Points salutes Gary Anderson, Polarbear, and all Marines and friends of the Corps who in their own ways are continuing to fight for a stronger, combined arms, crisis response Marine Corps.
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Real Clear Defense - 08/14/2024
We Need a Real Marine Corps To Fight a Two Front War
By Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson retired as Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.
Gary Anderson & Polar Bear, once again, hit the long ball. Oddly, as I was reading the Anderson piece, a remark by former POTUS, Bill Clinton, crossed my mind, to wit: “Let’s remember who the Super Power is around here.” Why that Blinding Flash of the Obvious (BFO) flashed before me, I can’t say. But, I do believe Mr. Clinton’s simple remark carried power with it, and the Anderson piece speaks to that needed capacity. Polar Bear’s piece added thoughtful analysis in separating rather romantic ideas from hard nose realities. Marines & Friends of Marines, our effort in returning to fighting trim must be global in character, to wit: “to the shores of Tripoli”, as well as being ready in the Pacific (thanks to Dr. Tom Huber). That calls for robustness. Remember: Military History must temper & inform our judgment.
We do not need a Commando, ninja type Marine Corps. We already have SOCOM for that (MARSOC, SEALS, Delta Force, Special Forces, Rangers, and AFSOC). We also do not need additional light infantry, since we have Army airborne, airmobile, and light infantry. In CMC Amos' Planning Guidance, he said the Marine Corps is "A middleweight force, we are light enough to get there quickly, but heavy enough to carry the day upon arrival...." What does a middleweight force mean (my answer is based upon the pre-FD Marine Corps)? While the Marine Corps is an infantry centric force, it has a substantial armored and mechanized component, with tanks, AAVs/ACVs and LAVs. The Marine Division has its own artillery regiment for robust fire support. With its own aviation component, infantry can be vertically inserted into the enemy's rear or flanks. All these elements, of the combined arms force (pre-FD) are built around a Marine infantry battalion, and are at sea ready for any contingency. While SOCOM is light and ninja like, they do not have the staying power of conventional ground forces. They are great at what they do: hit and run raids and making mischief. The middleweight, general purpose nature of the Marine Corps enables it to be infantry, mech, airmobile and amphibious. It is a versatile force with many capabilities. This is the real Marine Corps needed to fight a two front war, as argued by Gary Anderson..