How Can The Marine Corps Be Successful?

Every Marine enlisted in the armed forces of the United States takes an oath to defend their country from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Whether flexing a little muscle to prevent fighting, participating in a small conflict or aiming to win a major war against a near peer competitor, the Marine Corps must be prepared for any and all threats that may be faced in order to be victorious. This preparation includes knowing what irregular threats of military, political, psychological and economic nature may be encountered by either the host nation or outside forces as the enemy seeks to undermine the authority of a local government or influence an external power (Marine Corps Operating Concepts, pg. 113). When the Marine Corps is prepared
As warfare on a scale of minor to major opposition develops, in order to preserve lives, gather informative intelligence, write effective operation orders and be victorious, especially against a near-peer competitor, the Marine Corps must understand and know what to expect from their enemy. This includes being prepared for not only expected threats but for irregular threats as well. According to Marine Corps Operating Concepts, success occurs when there is an understanding of the character of the conflict, its context and its participants (pg. 113). This includes the understanding of and use of an enemy’s irregular threats as well. The irregular threats the Marine Corps stands to face in the ever changing realms of technology, scientific discoveries, ideology and
One might argue that it would be detrimental to the Marine Corps to spend so much time, money and manpower on empowering Marines to be equipped and ready to fight against whatever battle they may find themselves in because the knowledge of ever evolving irregular threats is so vast. I stand to argue that not keeping up with the knowledge of irregular threats and how they shape the way an enemy, as a near-peer competitor or not, fights their battles is detrimental to the Marine Corps’ success in warfare. One cannot go into battle with swords while their enemy is fighting with guns. The consequences would be disastrous. The same can be said for the Marines sent into current day battles. Without being prepared for what they will face, especially in the face of irregular threats, lives and intelligence will be lost, effective orders cannot be written and the war cannot be