Force Design 2030 for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) sparked criticism that the USMC is becoming too specialized for the future of warfare. Given the first-ever USMC drill conducted using Japanese with Japanese Self-Defense Forces this month, there is great potential for this Force Design to impact regional cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific in many ways. Its new focus on diversified infantry unit capabilities and tactics will certainly affect how the USMC works with allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
USMC Force Design 2030: US Marines and the Indo-Pacific
By Alec Bohlman
Defense Policy & Posture
Originally published in The Diplomat.
Force Design 2030 for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) sparked criticism that the USMC is becoming too specialized for the future of warfare. Given the first-ever USMC drill conducted using Japanese with Japanese Self-Defense Forces this month, there is great potential for this Force Design to impact regional cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific in many ways. Its new focus on diversified infantry unit capabilities and tactics will certainly affect how the USMC works with allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite the criticism, these are important changes given the threats of Chinese incursion into contested territorial air and waters and the potential of missile attacks by a nuclear-armed North Korea. Force Design 2030 accurately accounts for the current threats seen in the Indo-Pacific while expanding joint operability with important U.S. allies, such as Japan.
Read the full article in the Diplomat.
Recent & Related