The Marine Defense Battalions: Evolution and Contemporary Relevance
Abstract
The current U.S. military-political situation in the Pacific displays parallels to the decades preceding World War II. Fiscal austerity is increasing, leading to decreased military spending while military rivals decrease the U.S.s operational access in the Western Pacific. The Defense Battalions played a crucial role in defending American interests while the U.S. generated forces. They delayed Japanese advances at Wake Island, contributed to the Japanese defeat at Midway, and supported amphibious operations through the end of the War. Lessons learned from the successes and failures of the Defense Battalions apply to the contemporary operations environment. A rising China competes with the U.S. for influence in the Western Pacific. Chinas investment in Anti Access/ Area Denial (A2/AD) systems threatens the U.S.s ability to protect national interests and support allies. The Marine Corps should explore applying the Defense Battalions lessons and tactics with emerging technological capabilities and modern tactics. Capabilities such as High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, andMV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft operating from dispersed forward-defended sites can increase Operational Access. This study seeks to examine the purpose, development, and evolution of the Defense Battalions and apply their concept in modern terms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1176007
Entities
People
- Jason R. Reukema
Organizations
- Marine Corps University