A Preface to 'A Better Way Forward' and Its Authors

摘要

The Marine Corps has always adapted to meet the challenges of a changing security environment. In the past, Marines have engaged in a rigorous exchange of ideas before embarking on a new course. We have seen little evidence of a thorough and open debate leading to the adoption of Force Design 2030 and supporting concepts. These wide-ranging concepts have provided the justification for the divestments of many current capabilities and the creation of untested, experimental organizations, and the planned acquisition of various new, unproven systems. To fund these new capabilities, the Marine Corps pursued a "divest to invest" strategy. Force structure and equipment necessary to meet today's threats were unwisely discarded to fund future experimental formations and weapon systems. The resulting gap in capabilities has severely reduced the Marine Corps' readiness to respond quickly and effectively to global actors that threaten our national security today and over the next decade. We argue there is a better way forward than the course currently charted.