Remaining a Light Force
Abstract
The Marine Corps must embrace the light infantry concept to remain relevant on the modern battlefield. The light infantry unit requires less equipment and less logistics support but more training. Unfortunately, current Marine infantry units have moved more toward the conventional infantry mindset in terms of their equipment sets and military tactics. The projection and sustainment of this equipment requires significant logistical support. In adopting this mindset, the Marine Corps has become a slave to the military industrial complex and will lose its autonomy as a global force in readiness. The Marine Corps will not always be able to insert troops in the face of significant resistance. As America's rapid response force, the Marine Corps must remain light and agile; otherwise it will become an extension of the Army. The Marine Corps must be separate and distinct, capable of sustainment and maneuver. When Marines operate independently and rapidly the capability to surprise the enemy will increase exponentially. If the Marine Corps continues down the road of an equipment-laden and dependent force, it will quickly be deemed obsolete and subsumed into the Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA510810
Entities
People
- S. L. Gosnell
Organizations
- Marine Corps University