The Challenges of Implementing Live-Fire Ranges in the Mariana Islands
Abstract
In order to gain any meaningful progress in establishing high impact live-fire ranges in the Marianas, DoD must refine the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Joint Military Training (CJMT) proposal and demonstrate viable solutions that will enable local economic growth. America's strategic pivot point in the Western Pacific has dragged the Marianas' fate for nearly three decades following World War II. It has been a period of uncertainty for the Marianas people, but for certain, America's East-West corridor is noticeably becoming Asia's entry into America's west flank. A shift in US East Asia policy has resulted in rebalancing Pacific Forces. In order to support its strategic policy changes, the US military requires a Unit-level, Joint, and Combined military training space to accommodate large scale maneuvering and live-fire exercises. The US Pacific rebalancing supports a much larger American global strategic narrative, and the Marianas must once again adapt to shifting US policy. The Marianas hinging on conflicting interests must now reassess its economic momentum against America's shifting strategic policies versus Asia's contribution to the local economy. Stakeholders must design a framework in which US strategic aims and local economic growth can coexist. As US Pacific policy may morph based on the looming threats in Asia, the Marianas must, either now or later, seek workable solutions because as it has always been, American policy in Micronesia is strategic. America is staying for good.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1176983
Entities
People
- Adrian R. Evangelista
Organizations
- Marine Corps University