The Marine Corps effective execution of advanced force operation (AFO) are a critical component in the Marine Corps role in transitioning from pre-crisis activities (PCA) to crisis response. AFO are core mission to the MAGTF and consist of Clandestine Reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S); joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration of forces (JRSOI); information operations, terminal guidance; and limited direct action operation. Although Marine Corps has in fact developed comprehensive MAGTF capabilities, it would benefit from having AFO specific doctrine and operation...

This book examines the British use of sea-based aviation in support of two modern amphibious campaigns: the British campaign in Norway in 1940 and in the Falkland Islands War in 1982. The purpose is to determine whether or not aircraft carriers (sea-based aviation) were at the root of the success or failure of British efforts.

The Soviet Union is well-known for its development of operations as the linkage between tactics and strategy, and its application as operational art. The Red Army's development of deep battle during the interwar years and its refinement during World War II is an exceptional example of operational art and a testament to the genius of the Soviet Union's military theorists. Soviet-style operational art grew from an ideological concept at a heoretical level, to a political controlled strategic doctrine, emerged as an offensive biased operational mindset, and, if Finland is overlooked, resulted in...

Military leaders who allow their experience and loyalty to their oath guide their actions when speaking out in the proper forums for or against policies, strategies, or ideals can positively affect the welfare of the troops in the field and build a bridge with civilian leadership and the civilian population.

Seabees are versatile instruments of power projection because of their capabilities to execute disaster relief operations, engineering civic action, and overseas construction that contribute to National Security Strategy's (NSS) efforts in diplomatic, information, military, economic, development, strategic communications, and homeland security. Unfortunately, the recent reduction in Seabee force structure is detrimental to national security. Further reduction would create capacity degradation with direct impact to US power projection. Degraded Seabees will result in a capability gap that...

Increased human activity in the Arctic will bring an increased need for maritime operations, ranging from peacetime search and rescue to sea control in times of conflict. Economic activity may outpace the ability of the US Navy and Coast Guard to develop capabilities to operate in the Arctic. Presently there is a very limited US icebreaker capability and no surface combatant ships are reinforced for operations in a sea-ice environment. The Marine Corps may execute a sea control mission in the Arctic to make up for the sea services capability gaps, operating in the straits and narrows that...

The 2006 U.S.-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation which provides for the consolidation of Ill MEF on Okinawa and the subsequent relocation of approximately 8,000 Marines and Sailors from Okinawa to Guam has created a difficult political situation, a challenging operational scenario, and extreme logistical challenge that ill-postures the United States. Currently, internal politics within Japan has caused infighting that could threaten the entire FRF relocation and place the United States in an awkward position of pulling out of the international agreement. Placing HQ elements separate...

Since the U.S first recognized the state of Israel in 1948 U.S.-Israel relations have been close. The U.S. has supported Israel with billions of dollars in the form of grants and loans, the latest American technology and weaponry, as well as steadfast political backing against Israel's Arab neighbors. Proponents of the U.S.-Israel alliance argue that Israel is a strategic asset to the U.S. and that the strategic partnership that exists between the two states is necessary for the success of U.S. foreign policy in the region. The historical record with regard to the establishment of the...

Seabees are versatile instruments of power projection because of their capabilities to execute disaster relief operations, engineering civic action, and overseas construction that contribute to National Security Strategy's (NSS) efforts in diplomatic, information, military, economic, development, strategic communications, and homeland security. Unfortunately, the recent reduction in Seabee force structure is detrimental to national security. Further reduction would create capacity degradation with direct impact to US power projection. Degraded Seabees will result in a capability gap that...

The United States has been involved in combat operations for the past decade. Some of the darkest moments in those conflicts have come from the ethical failings of some of our service members. The Marine Corps prides itself on maintaining high ethical standards; however, we are not immune to these failings - as seen by the body desecration video and SS flag photos in Afghanistan. These failings have occurred during times of high operational tempo and have caused Marine Corps leadership, the public, and civilian leaders to question our ethical foundations and training. What can the Marine...