I cannot agree with Gary Anderson’s idea of a multi-month MEB size amphibious raid on Yemen to find and eliminate the Houthi missile/drone launch sights and supply points. I understand Gary is lamenting the loss of US Marine Corps capabilities, however, if you are going to conduct a raid it needs to be a RAID…go in (SURPRISE!), blowup something and get out before they can respond.
In addition, our senior military leaders (and politicians) will lose the information battle by turning it over to our media that paints our Marines as murders. The US media will take the enemy’s propaganda, true or false, and turn it into “Strategic Legalism” (https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/strategic-legalism ). Israel is barely winning the information war against Hamas terrorist primarily due to the innocent civilian massacre and hostage taking on Oct 7th.
An amphibious raid needs to be a strategic eye-opener for everyone (i.e. Iran, Pakistan, and the CCP). Conduct an amphibious raid on Socotia Island at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Aden. There is also the Mayyun Island at the entrance of the Red Sea just off the western tip of Yemen. Both islands are strategically important. Either or both islands would get the Houthi’s and their supporter’s attention. You can go so far and call it an amphibious demonstration as long as we don’t keep them and you get out quickly.
IMO what should be done is a “Blockade” of the Yemen ports in accordance with International Law. (By retaliating against the Houthi rocket launchers and drones, I feel the US is doing exactly what Iran wants.) Running a “Blockade” to stop the export of oil and the import of rockets and drones would be unexpected. A legal blockade would allow the import of items essential to civilian sustainment. Yemen’s oil accounts for over 52% of their exports and stopping the oil would definitely hit them in the pocket. It would send a message to Iran that they might be next.
If you run an oil blockade, Yemen will continue to run their refineries until their storage capacity is reached. If the blockade leaks, it is time for plan B; to attack the Yemen oil fields. Use precision guided munitions to take out the refineries distillers. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/refining-crude-oil-the-refining-process.php The distillers are a key component of a refinery operations. These large chimney like structures are easy targets and are difficult to replace.
I agree also. A raid, is a raid. During the Gulf War we had special ops teams on the ground searching for SCUD launch sites. I think this would be more effective.
On a side note, luckily the Houthi missile launches have been, I believe, a failure. But this does not look to good for the concept of FD 2030 and launching missiles at Chinese ships.
I (kinda) disagree with Gary!
I cannot agree with Gary Anderson’s idea of a multi-month MEB size amphibious raid on Yemen to find and eliminate the Houthi missile/drone launch sights and supply points. I understand Gary is lamenting the loss of US Marine Corps capabilities, however, if you are going to conduct a raid it needs to be a RAID…go in (SURPRISE!), blowup something and get out before they can respond.
In addition, our senior military leaders (and politicians) will lose the information battle by turning it over to our media that paints our Marines as murders. The US media will take the enemy’s propaganda, true or false, and turn it into “Strategic Legalism” (https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/strategic-legalism ). Israel is barely winning the information war against Hamas terrorist primarily due to the innocent civilian massacre and hostage taking on Oct 7th.
An amphibious raid needs to be a strategic eye-opener for everyone (i.e. Iran, Pakistan, and the CCP). Conduct an amphibious raid on Socotia Island at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Aden. There is also the Mayyun Island at the entrance of the Red Sea just off the western tip of Yemen. Both islands are strategically important. Either or both islands would get the Houthi’s and their supporter’s attention. You can go so far and call it an amphibious demonstration as long as we don’t keep them and you get out quickly.
IMO what should be done is a “Blockade” of the Yemen ports in accordance with International Law. (By retaliating against the Houthi rocket launchers and drones, I feel the US is doing exactly what Iran wants.) Running a “Blockade” to stop the export of oil and the import of rockets and drones would be unexpected. A legal blockade would allow the import of items essential to civilian sustainment. Yemen’s oil accounts for over 52% of their exports and stopping the oil would definitely hit them in the pocket. It would send a message to Iran that they might be next.
If you run an oil blockade, Yemen will continue to run their refineries until their storage capacity is reached. If the blockade leaks, it is time for plan B; to attack the Yemen oil fields. Use precision guided munitions to take out the refineries distillers. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/refining-crude-oil-the-refining-process.php The distillers are a key component of a refinery operations. These large chimney like structures are easy targets and are difficult to replace.
Semper Fi
I agree also. A raid, is a raid. During the Gulf War we had special ops teams on the ground searching for SCUD launch sites. I think this would be more effective.
On a side note, luckily the Houthi missile launches have been, I believe, a failure. But this does not look to good for the concept of FD 2030 and launching missiles at Chinese ships.
We have a world wide force. But yes, it should be larger. USMC is just about right for what the nation asks of it. Gotta love those democrats.