Operational Maneuver From the Sea: Opportunity or Vulnerability
Abstract
The Marine Corps continues to prepare and organize its forces for the 21st century under the strategic guidance established in JV 2020. As the concepts of OMFTS and STOM mature, the Marine Corps must honestly assess its expectations against its realistic capabilities. Under the auspices of OMFTS, the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22), Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), and Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) promise to provide a decisive power projection capability for future Commanders-In-Chiefs and Joint Force Commanders. However, as many warfighters will attest, getting to the objective is only half the battle. The complex, critically substantial, task of sustaining rapidly maneuvering combat forces ashore will determine the success of future missions. This paper will analyze the Marine Corps' future warfighting concepts of OMFTS and STOM. As the speed and range of operational maneuver increases exponentially with the introduction of new technology, these concepts will reincarnate previously learned lessons of airborne sustainment and expose their critical vulnerability-an over-reliance on aviation. The time is now to seriously consider the boundaries of OMFTS and STOM in relation to space, force and time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389870
Entities
People
- Robert T. Tobin
Organizations
- Naval War College