Centurions for a New Century: Marine Forces in 2015
Abstract
The majority of the young Americans who will join the Marine Corps starting in 2015 are babies now or will be born in the next few years. Their future, the new century, rushes at us, and with it the Marine Corps of 2015. It is not too early to begin conceptualizing the proper structure of the Corps -- more specifically its heart, the operating forces -- that the next generation of Marines will find. The Marine Corps of 2015 will face challenges, opportunities, risks, and threats that no leadership can precisely define. Thus, the Marine Corps must anticipate the fact that changes will be inherent in the coming century and prepare accordingly. Today presents a critical opportunity to think about and prepare for the future. Recognizing this fact, the 31st Commandant has characterized the Marine Corps as poised at a "strategic inflection point, every bit as profound as the one Pete Ellis saw." If the question is "What is the proper structure for Marine forces in 2015?," the answer hinges on the definition of the word "proper." Its definition relates to two subordinate and linked questions. These questions are "For what missions?" and "What does it take to be successful in those missions?" This paper will first answer the strategic question "For what missions?" and then turn to the issue of what force structures might lead to success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA525974
Entities
People
- L. M. Lynes
Organizations
- Marine Corps University