By Robbin Laird You have heard of the USMC Force Design 2030 as an adaptation to the threat environment. But with an emergent multi-polar authoritarian world, an even larger strategic redesign of U.S. forces is warranted. The Osprey is important for the first; but is crucial for the second. The…
U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight operations as part of their deployment for training (DFT) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, May 3 to 23, 2024. The DFT provides VMGR-153 pilots and aircrew unit level…
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 embark on HMAS Adelaide (L01) at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Darwin, NT, Australia, June 2, 2024. Marines and Sailors embarked on HMAS Adelaide (L01) alongside their Australian Allies to participate in the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal, transiting from Darwin…
By Robbin Laird During my recent visit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, I visited Marine Corps Air Station New River and had a chance to meet with two members involved from the outset in HMH-461 standing up the CH-53K. I first visited New River in 2010, where the focus was…
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, land an MV-22B Osprey on the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide (LO1) as part of deck landing qualifications during a Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal, in the Arafura Sea, June 4, 2024. Marines and Sailors…
By Robbin Laird As the Marines rework how they approach distributed operations, a key focus is upon how to shape what they call Expeditionary Advanced Operations or EABO. This requires reworking how the air and ground elements operate together to shape a more effective distributed force with reduced force signature…
Soldiers with the German Army’s 6th Battery, 345th Artillery Battalion, perform close-air support training at Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia, Feb. 21, 2024. Joint branch training with NATO allies ensures personnel utilize similar procedures and can operate together. 02.21.2024 Video by Lance Cpl. Christian Cutter Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
By Robbin Laird I had the chance recently to meet with LtGen Heckl, the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, at his office in Quantico. He is retiring from the USMC this month, so this is my exit interview with…
