国际战略研究中心-美国军事力量2021财年报告：海军陆战队（英文）-2020.11-13页_274kb

Summary of U.S. Military Forces in FY 2021: Marine Corps Restructuring

Core Content

The U.S. Marine Corps underwent a major restructuring in FY 2021 as part of a broader military transformation aimed at preparing for great power conflict, particularly in the Pacific. This shift represents a departure from its previous focus on counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which had dominated the past two decades. The restructuring emphasizes modernization and the development of capabilities for maritime campaigns, while reducing force size and legacy capabilities.

Main Points

• Strategic Shift: The restructuring is guided by General Berger's vision to reestablish the Marine Corps' naval roots, focusing on great power conflict in the Pacific.
• Force Reduction: The active-duty end strength is projected to decrease to 172,000, a level last seen before the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
• Modernization Over Expansion: The Marine Corps is prioritizing the acquisition of new technologies and capabilities over increasing force numbers.
• Infantry Reduction: Three active-duty infantry battalions are being cut, with remaining units becoming more mobile and less reliant on heavy weapons.
• Fire Support Transition: Artillery units are shifting from cannon-based to missile/rocket-based capabilities, such as HIMARS and tactical Tomahawk missiles, which support long-range precision fires.
• Tanks and Bridge Companies Eliminated: These units are being phased out, signaling a move away from traditional ground combat roles.
• Law Enforcement Units Removed: These units, historically used for counterinsurgency, are no longer part of the Marine Corps' structure, reflecting a reduced emphasis on such missions.
• Aviation Changes: The number of rotary-wing and fixed-wing fighter attack squadrons is being reduced, while UAV capabilities are being expanded. However, the Marine Corps lags behind the Air Force and Army in this area.
• UAV Development Challenges: The Marine Corps' MUX program is in disarray, and it is relying on the MQ-9 Reaper as an interim solution.
• Task Force Reorganization: The Marine Corps is rethinking its task force structures, including the introduction of new units like the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) and the continued use of special-purpose MAGTFs.
• Global Stationing Adjustments: The Marine Corps is shifting its force posture from Okinawa to Guam and other locations, with a reduction in Okinawa's footprint and a new base on Guam.
• Amphibious Fleet Expansion: The fleet is transitioning to a larger number of light amphibious warships (LAWs), which are smaller and designed for short-range operations, not long-term deployments.

Key Information

• Infantry Battalions: Cut from 24 to 21 active-duty battalions, and from 8 to 6 reserve battalions.
• Fire Support: From 21 cannon batteries and 7 rocket batteries to 5 cannon batteries and 21 missile/rocket batteries.
• Tanks: Eliminated entirely, with no capability retained.
• Bridge Companies: Phased out, as they are less relevant in the new operational focus.
• Law Enforcement Units: Retired, as they are not suited for maritime campaigns.
• Aviation Force: Tiltrotor and light attack helicopter squadrons are reduced, while C-130 cargo aircraft and UAVs are increased.
• UAVs: The Marine Corps is lagging in fielding armed UAVs and faces delays due to the MUX program's complexity.
• Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR): A new unit designed to operate within an adversary's defensive bubble, with unclear structure and permanence.
• Stationing: The Marine Corps is moving forces from Okinawa to Guam, with Japan funding some of the infrastructure. The Futenma replacement facility faces delays and cost overruns.
• Rotational Deployments: Deployments to Darwin, Australia continue without controversy, though they are far from potential conflict zones.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Narrow Focus: Critics argue the restructuring is too focused on the Western Pacific and China, ignoring other potential conflict areas.
• Unproven Concepts: The new operational concepts, such as operating within an adversary's defensive bubble, are not yet proven in real-world scenarios.
• Operational Limitations: The new force design may not be adaptable to different types of conflicts, especially regional ones.
• Gray Zone Operations: The restructuring may not be suitable for low-intensity, non-kinetic conflicts that are more likely against China and Russia.
• Loss of Close-In Firepower: The reduction in tanks and cannon artillery may leave the Marine Corps less prepared for close combat scenarios.

Conclusion

The Marine Corps' restructuring in FY 2021 is a significant transformation aimed at aligning with the National Defense Strategy and preparing for future maritime conflicts. While it emphasizes modernization and the development of long-range precision fire capabilities, it also raises concerns about the loss of traditional ground combat roles and the potential for a narrow focus on the Pacific. The success of this restructuring will depend on its implementation, the effectiveness of new technologies, and the ability to adapt to a variety of operational environments.