Marines trade amtracs for boats...

[Chuckman]

4th amphib assault battalion switching from amtracs to RIBs/boats. This makes sense; we have not had to compete for a contested beach since the Korean war, but still needs craft to get Marines ashore and into littoral areas more efficiently.

Marine Reserve eyes small boats for nimble littoral operations

The boats the Reserve is looking at are in the rigid inflatable boat family.

www.militarytimes.com

 

[JT]

we have not had to compete for a contested beach since the Korean war

Quang Tri, 1965, multiple incidents.

 

[Chuckman]

Quang Tri, 1965, multiple incidents.

That was a contested landing? What operation was that? Edited to add, the only thing I can find is Operation Starlight, doesn't mention much other than light resistance.

I guess my point was (poorly made) was that a frontal assault needing armored delivery from offshore onto beaches is historically a thing of the past. A mixed force with amtracs and boats would make more since, especially in light of the new doctrine.

 

[JT]

That was a contested landing? What operation was that? Edited to add, the only thing I can find is Operation Starlight, doesn't mention much other than light resistance.

I guess my point was (poorly made) was that a frontal assault needing armored delivery from offshore onto beaches is historically a thing of the past. A mixed force with amtracs and boats would make more since, especially in light of the new doctrine.

There were at least three that I know of. Granted, they were not large scale assaults, but they were Force Recon amphib landings. I don't recall the code name.

As to the second paragraph, agreed.

 

[Dan0311]

I like that they're thinking about 'the next war', as opposed to the common 'gearing up to fight the last war' doctrine we've seen on and off throughout our history.

Getting rid of tanks after more than 100 years was a pretty big step. As Chinese tech keeps advancing, along with their quantity of arms, and the fact we'll probably be fighting on their side of the world.......it's a scary thought.

 

[Chuckman]

I like that they're thinking about 'the next war', as opposed to the common 'gearing up to fight the last war' doctrine we've seen on and off throughout our history.

Getting rid of tanks after more than 100 years was a pretty big step. As Chinese tech keeps advancing, along with their quantity of arms, and the fact we'll probably be fighting on their side of the world.......it's a scary thought.

The current commandant is all over the new force restructure (getting rid of armor, MPs, other units, pivoting to more amphib-centric, amorphous operations), but a lot of former generals have really railed against it. I see a mixed bag, but I really do dig their new littoral combat regiment.

What exactly is a Marine Corps Littoral Regiment?

A lot has been said about the Marine Littoral Regiment, but what exactly is it, and how will it work? Well, let's dive in.

www.sandboxx.us

 

[Dan0311]

The current commandant is all over the new force restructure (getting rid of armor, MPs, other units, pivoting to more amphib-centric, amorphous operations), but a lot of former generals have really railed against it. I see a mixed bag, but I really do dig their new littoral combat regiment.

What exactly is a Marine Corps Littoral Regiment?

A lot has been said about the Marine Littoral Regiment, but what exactly is it, and how will it work? Well, let's dive in.

www.sandboxx.us

I remember in 2003 when the Marine Corps and Army each had separate attack prongs, both heading toward Baghdad. I kept thinking, 'they're using the Marines as an army, with less people and less equipment.' I had a feeling that after the war, the mission of the Marine Corps would be completely reexamined. It doesn't make sense (to me) for both to have the same mission and equipment.