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.