Vision 2035 – A Conversation with Readers
Compass Points is gratified by the discussion and debate building here on Compass Points and broadly throughout the Marine Corps community. Marines and friends of the Corps always want the same thing, a Marine Corps strong today and stronger tomorrow.
While Vision 2035 is a promising better direction for the Marine Corps, it is only a vision, only the start of building a mature concept for the future of the Marine Corps. Vision 2035 needs robust discussion and debate, it needs criticism, and above all it needs the rigor of the Combat Development Process.
A better direction for the Marine Corps will not happen by itself. It takes the work, not of a just a few, but of many.
As one Compass Points contributor commented recently:
Cfrog
. . . when it comes to the future defense of our nation, we are all plank owners with an equal stake as Marines and Citizens.
Exactly. National security is everyone’s responsibility. We all must do all we can each day to make sure the Marine Corps moves forward.
Another Compass Points contributor wrote in to say what he had done:
RR
Proudly wrote to my two US Senators and US Representative, supporting congressional review of FD 2030, its impact on USMC mission and national security, as well as exploring the merits of Vision 2035.
Compass Points welcomes such support, but will not offer thoughts as to what to write members of Congress beyond those in the many publications in its library.
Thank you, RR!
And what is the goal of all these efforts?
DH
. . . restore the Nation’s 911 Force Lethality to where it once was.
Thank you, DH. Compass Posts notes that Chowder II’s goal is a fully modernized 911 Force able to respond globally in an era of precision munitions.
We appreciate kind words from our many readers.
MW
A superb resource with quick links to superior and thoughtful articles . . .
Thank you, MW.
We also appreciate everyone who gets involved and fights the good fight for our Corps every day, shoulder to shoulder. One contributor, DR, wrote to his extensive list of friends and associates. DR admits he often uses strong language. While Compass Points promotes a professional approach from both supporters and critics of FD 2030, occasionally readers need to see and feel the full passion of the debate.
DR
I have contributed tiny parts to most of what you read on Compass Point. The actual authors needed to be those that would resonate in Congress and could carry on the dialog professionally. After most appear on Compass Points, I added my additional two cents in the comments sections. My comments tend to be combative and cut to the chase. This is not the preferred method for a dialog, but I fight fire with fire. . . . This is not a boxing match. It is a deadly street fight. My heart and soul [are] with the 18 year old Marine and his 22 year old Lieutenant. My family history speaks for itself.
. . . I would ask that you join Compass Point. It costs nothing. You will not be pinged for commercials. Feel free to add your comments from history, your military experience or common sense. If nothing else, you can click “like” to the article or my comments (which I just know you will agree with).
Thank you, DR!
Why do young people down through the decades join the Marine Corps? With apologies to our sister services, there are easier ways to go than joining the Marine Corps. The answer is simple. Some people are attracted to the Marine Corps challenge. They know it will be hard, but instead of turning away, some people run toward the challenge. There is a name for people who run toward the challenge: Marines.
Again and again, throughout its history, the Marine Corps has had to fight for its future, fight for its very existence. Prior generations met the challenge and their efforts helped build the Marine Corps stronger and better.
Today, the future of the Marine Corps is our challenge. It will take regiments of Marines to step up to the challenge today. But Marines can always be counted on to embrace the challenge. We will fight. We will win. Our victory will be a stronger Marine Corps. Compass Points thanks all readers and contributors who are running toward the challenge today.