I can’t help but compare Hezbollah’s Missile Units to those envisioned by FD. What good have the Hezbollah or for that matter, the Houthis and Iran’s missile I’m stopping the IDF from doing what it wants? The answer is a big fat nothing!
On the flip side; the IDF multi layered armed services (MAGTF style) have brought much destruction to their enemies and will continue to do so.
Marine Crops planners need to learn, in real time, that SIF will not work; not now and damn sure not in the future!
Alfred - I appreciate your sentiment, but, I’m not yet - repeat yet certain that is the case. Now, that the IDF has gone into Lebanon, suffered KIA’s, let’s see how this all works out. I am not in disagreement with your notion, but suspect we need to let it play out a bit. BUT!!! This is a GRAND OPPORTUNITY for MCU to step up to the plate - as it did in Desert Storm - and, put our brainpower to work - lead the way for all our PME communities - to study in real time this war, its policies, issues that got us into this circumstance, and the infrastructure needed to wage the conflict that may lurk just around the corner. Again, my remarks are offered in Marine friendship & desire to right our listing ship. Semper Fidelis!
What can a FD Marine Corps contribute to a major conventional land battle? I think I would be correct in saying: two weak infantry divisions, maybe seven gun artillery batteries, some HIMARS rockets, and logistics units. Obviously the strong point would be Marine air. It could not provide the robust capabilities which were evident in the Gulf War or the War in Iraq. Would the Army then be correct in saying that if the Marine Corps cannot contribute to a major land conflict, why do we have them? They could also point out that the Marine budget would be better spent on additional Army forces. Plus they have their Multi-Domain Task Force, so the don't need the Marine Littoral Regiments or SIF. CMC Smith needs to take his blinders off and see reality.
A few years back, something unique was launched — a trifold flyer bonanza. Why? VistaPrint offered a deal… I couldn't resist. The flyer was built around one of the most meaningful moments of my life: speaking to 220 brand new Leathernecks at Parris Island. At that time, I was facing the toughest battle yet—99% prostate cancer. Four hospitals had turned me down for surgery. But just days later, after I gave Dr. Leonard, head of UCLA's Proctology department, a piece of this Jarhead's mind, they reconsidered. And thanks to that fight, still on deck and, still standing strong.
On the back of the flyer, we added a QR code with movie clips from both talks. Wanted to remind those young Marines of the recruit tradition I hold dear—singing my favorite song, all three verses. What happened next? Enjoyed the greatest stereo sound effect I’ve ever heard in my life. It was a moment that made me feel alive, more than I ever thought possible
Gee, I didn't realize how terribly out of date the IDF had become. But then, they don't face a great sea power that can be contained and then destroyed by small, squad size, unsupportable anti-ship missile units.
The US is now in a “great power competition” (GPC) and a strategic shift addressing the threat of the CCP emergence as the challenging power. The questions asked here on CP has made us wonder does the US have a GPC strategy. In addition, the question is also raised concerning developing the correct military strategy and capability to deter the CCP. Concerning strategy, what the US seems to have forgotten is the CCP threat is a global threat. The next question in my mind is does FD 2030 address not only the CCP global threat and deterrence but also the GPC?
A GPC strategy is not the responsibility of the US Military because that falls into the lap of the US State Department and POTUS. The US Military, however, can definitely help with a deterrence strategy. The US Navy and US Marine Corps, especially, can play an important role in deterrence because of their flexibility, adaptability and forward presence. The CP MAGTF Snapshot (1990 -1993) provides just a few of the examples of the Marine Corps quick response flexibility and adaptability. (https://marinecorpscompasspoints.substack.com/p/compass-points-magtf-snapshot
Besides the US Strategic Mobility, one of the US capabilities that the CCP fears is the US Navy’s and Marine Corps “Forward Presence”. In 1996 Col Gary Anderson published a Naval War College Paper: Beyond Mahan: A Proposal for a U.S. Naval Strategy in the Twenty-First Century (https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/usnwc-newport-papers/6/ ). The 1996 date is important because it is after Desert Storm and before the distractions of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Col Anderson discusses the importance topics of Forward Presence, Overall Command Relationships and the Sequencing of Joint Forces into Theater. The Colonel makes a very strong justification for Marine Amphibious ARGs and MPFs. This paper is the blueprint where the US Marine Corps and Navy could have built the lead in future strategic military planning and development. At the very least, the Commandant should have grabbed this paper from the shelf in 2016, dusted it off, and hand it to his staff to read in order to embark on a true 2030 design. Good job Colonel, now all we have to do is get the right people to read it. Semper Fi
In Israel, the Jewish citizens are currently observing the Jewish New Year (first day of first month of the year 5785-on the Hebrew Calendar). Look for payback to Iran soon after the New Year's observance has ended.
By the way, inasmuch as Iran targeted the site of the Israeli nuclear reactor for the production of fissile material at Dimona, I would suppose that the Iranian nuclear project sites are, in the eyes of the Isreli security cabinet, fair game, as long as Israel has the muscle needed to destroy them.
The huge Iranian processing complex for petrol, natural gas, and petrochemicals such as propane, butane,and ethane, located on the shore of the Persian Gulf, is virtually certain to be vigorously attacked.
The ayatollah really blew it when he launched those missiles a second time. He was given a free pass the first time. I'd bet my life savings that Israel is not giving him a free pass this time.
I think that the mullahs felt utterly humiliated after all the Israeli successes of the past 2-3 weeks, and that their sense of honor got the better of any and all common sense they might ever have had.
Right now the Iranians are waiting for the shoe to drop. They are ready, their units on alert for anything that looks like something on a radar. I say revenge is served best cold. Wait until they burn themselves out. Launch fakes...keep them on edge...hasten the burn. When the time is right........
As several days have passed, and nothing yet, I find it likely that Bibi Netanyahu and his security cabinet have opted for strategic patience rather than "evening the score". Sure, it would be gratifying to punish the Mullahs. But (assuming Israel has the needed muscle) destroying the oil fields and shipping/storage facilities, and blowing up dams might unite the citizens of Iran in support of their masters.Such an outcome would be counter-productive! Regime change in Iran sounds good. Perhaps there is a manner in which the Iranian people can be inspired to dedicate themselves to THAT! Plunging them into darkness, hunger, and a cold winter won't do it!
As for "regime change" in Iran, it merits mention that in 2009, there was a "green revolution" in Iran, following the election of Mahmoud Ahmedinijad to the Iranian Presidency. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians were hung out to dry by the American administration who wouldn't even announce support for their right to protest what they believed was a rigged election. Several thousands were imprisoned, approximately 100 died.
I can’t help but compare Hezbollah’s Missile Units to those envisioned by FD. What good have the Hezbollah or for that matter, the Houthis and Iran’s missile I’m stopping the IDF from doing what it wants? The answer is a big fat nothing!
On the flip side; the IDF multi layered armed services (MAGTF style) have brought much destruction to their enemies and will continue to do so.
Marine Crops planners need to learn, in real time, that SIF will not work; not now and damn sure not in the future!
Alfred - I appreciate your sentiment, but, I’m not yet - repeat yet certain that is the case. Now, that the IDF has gone into Lebanon, suffered KIA’s, let’s see how this all works out. I am not in disagreement with your notion, but suspect we need to let it play out a bit. BUT!!! This is a GRAND OPPORTUNITY for MCU to step up to the plate - as it did in Desert Storm - and, put our brainpower to work - lead the way for all our PME communities - to study in real time this war, its policies, issues that got us into this circumstance, and the infrastructure needed to wage the conflict that may lurk just around the corner. Again, my remarks are offered in Marine friendship & desire to right our listing ship. Semper Fidelis!
What can a FD Marine Corps contribute to a major conventional land battle? I think I would be correct in saying: two weak infantry divisions, maybe seven gun artillery batteries, some HIMARS rockets, and logistics units. Obviously the strong point would be Marine air. It could not provide the robust capabilities which were evident in the Gulf War or the War in Iraq. Would the Army then be correct in saying that if the Marine Corps cannot contribute to a major land conflict, why do we have them? They could also point out that the Marine budget would be better spent on additional Army forces. Plus they have their Multi-Domain Task Force, so the don't need the Marine Littoral Regiments or SIF. CMC Smith needs to take his blinders off and see reality.
Concur.
A few years back, something unique was launched — a trifold flyer bonanza. Why? VistaPrint offered a deal… I couldn't resist. The flyer was built around one of the most meaningful moments of my life: speaking to 220 brand new Leathernecks at Parris Island. At that time, I was facing the toughest battle yet—99% prostate cancer. Four hospitals had turned me down for surgery. But just days later, after I gave Dr. Leonard, head of UCLA's Proctology department, a piece of this Jarhead's mind, they reconsidered. And thanks to that fight, still on deck and, still standing strong.
On the back of the flyer, we added a QR code with movie clips from both talks. Wanted to remind those young Marines of the recruit tradition I hold dear—singing my favorite song, all three verses. What happened next? Enjoyed the greatest stereo sound effect I’ve ever heard in my life. It was a moment that made me feel alive, more than I ever thought possible
God Bless Our Corps and 🎵 God Bless 🇺🇸 America!
I bet the Israelis have armor, artillery, combat engineers and military police units
Gee, I didn't realize how terribly out of date the IDF had become. But then, they don't face a great sea power that can be contained and then destroyed by small, squad size, unsupportable anti-ship missile units.
The US is now in a “great power competition” (GPC) and a strategic shift addressing the threat of the CCP emergence as the challenging power. The questions asked here on CP has made us wonder does the US have a GPC strategy. In addition, the question is also raised concerning developing the correct military strategy and capability to deter the CCP. Concerning strategy, what the US seems to have forgotten is the CCP threat is a global threat. The next question in my mind is does FD 2030 address not only the CCP global threat and deterrence but also the GPC?
A GPC strategy is not the responsibility of the US Military because that falls into the lap of the US State Department and POTUS. The US Military, however, can definitely help with a deterrence strategy. The US Navy and US Marine Corps, especially, can play an important role in deterrence because of their flexibility, adaptability and forward presence. The CP MAGTF Snapshot (1990 -1993) provides just a few of the examples of the Marine Corps quick response flexibility and adaptability. (https://marinecorpscompasspoints.substack.com/p/compass-points-magtf-snapshot
Besides the US Strategic Mobility, one of the US capabilities that the CCP fears is the US Navy’s and Marine Corps “Forward Presence”. In 1996 Col Gary Anderson published a Naval War College Paper: Beyond Mahan: A Proposal for a U.S. Naval Strategy in the Twenty-First Century (https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/usnwc-newport-papers/6/ ). The 1996 date is important because it is after Desert Storm and before the distractions of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Col Anderson discusses the importance topics of Forward Presence, Overall Command Relationships and the Sequencing of Joint Forces into Theater. The Colonel makes a very strong justification for Marine Amphibious ARGs and MPFs. This paper is the blueprint where the US Marine Corps and Navy could have built the lead in future strategic military planning and development. At the very least, the Commandant should have grabbed this paper from the shelf in 2016, dusted it off, and hand it to his staff to read in order to embark on a true 2030 design. Good job Colonel, now all we have to do is get the right people to read it. Semper Fi
In Israel, the Jewish citizens are currently observing the Jewish New Year (first day of first month of the year 5785-on the Hebrew Calendar). Look for payback to Iran soon after the New Year's observance has ended.
By the way, inasmuch as Iran targeted the site of the Israeli nuclear reactor for the production of fissile material at Dimona, I would suppose that the Iranian nuclear project sites are, in the eyes of the Isreli security cabinet, fair game, as long as Israel has the muscle needed to destroy them.
The huge Iranian processing complex for petrol, natural gas, and petrochemicals such as propane, butane,and ethane, located on the shore of the Persian Gulf, is virtually certain to be vigorously attacked.
The ayatollah really blew it when he launched those missiles a second time. He was given a free pass the first time. I'd bet my life savings that Israel is not giving him a free pass this time.
I think that the mullahs felt utterly humiliated after all the Israeli successes of the past 2-3 weeks, and that their sense of honor got the better of any and all common sense they might ever have had.
Right now the Iranians are waiting for the shoe to drop. They are ready, their units on alert for anything that looks like something on a radar. I say revenge is served best cold. Wait until they burn themselves out. Launch fakes...keep them on edge...hasten the burn. When the time is right........
As several days have passed, and nothing yet, I find it likely that Bibi Netanyahu and his security cabinet have opted for strategic patience rather than "evening the score". Sure, it would be gratifying to punish the Mullahs. But (assuming Israel has the needed muscle) destroying the oil fields and shipping/storage facilities, and blowing up dams might unite the citizens of Iran in support of their masters.Such an outcome would be counter-productive! Regime change in Iran sounds good. Perhaps there is a manner in which the Iranian people can be inspired to dedicate themselves to THAT! Plunging them into darkness, hunger, and a cold winter won't do it!
As for "regime change" in Iran, it merits mention that in 2009, there was a "green revolution" in Iran, following the election of Mahmoud Ahmedinijad to the Iranian Presidency. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians were hung out to dry by the American administration who wouldn't even announce support for their right to protest what they believed was a rigged election. Several thousands were imprisoned, approximately 100 died.
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Hey Commandant, which would the Combatant Commander prefer to have by 2030...the MLR of the FLRAA?
https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-army-to-upgrade-flraa