The Inadequacy of MCDP 1-0 Operations
Abstract
The combat experience of Global War on Terror veterans has affected changes to the "philosophy" and "terms" of Marines since MCDP 1-0 was published in 2001. The new philosophy and terms are manifestations of Marine innovation. This innovation compensates for doctrinal guidance that has become insufficient over the eight years since the current Operations was published. Inadequacies in Operations detract from the Marine Corps' ability to fight modern wars because of a narrow perspective of warfare, illogical organization, and contradictions with joint doctrine. To regain credibility Operations must incorporate the adaptations made after the initial failures of the Global War on Terror. Marines have studied and practiced modern scaled conflict throughout the Marine Corps' history. The Small Wars Manual of 1940 outlined many of the aspects which are incorporated in the Counterinsurgency Manual of 2006. In Vietnam, Combined Action Platoons proved effective in non-traditional military roles. More recently, the "Three Block War" describes the broadening of military missions from traditional destruction of enemies to humanitarian assistance. Although the Small Wars Manual, Combined Action Platoons, and the "Three Block War" are all mentioned in MCDP 1-0, they are not organized or weighted in the document sufficiently. Modern Marines have evolved to compensate because they experienced the strategic failures outlined in modern works like Fiasco, and Cobra II first hand. They have overcome institutional biases reinforcing pure military-on-military action to enable employment and manipulation of all elements of national power: diplomacy, information, military, and economy. (DIME) Marines broadened the cultural implications of friendly and enemy forces to deal with populations that do not fit either classification.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508053
Entities
People
- B. B. Roy
Organizations
- Marine Corps University