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Amphibious Evolution

In World War II the United States took advantage of its geography and
industrial
strength. More importantly, it took all the time it needed to fully develop the
force needed to annihilate the Axis Powers. The Army spent two years preparing
to invade Europe. Through out the Cold War, Marines responded to crises about
three to four times a year. In the Mid-nineties they were called on to meet
some 20 crises--about
six times annually. The increase reflects a greater reliance on Navy and
Marines aboard ships, as overseas bases diminish. Approximately three
expeditionary units per crisis are needed. Future conflicts will not offer such
luxuries as in WWII. Technology has increased the ability of enemies to bring
conflict to us, greatly reducing
response time and thus our traditional geographic and industrial advantages. The
impact of emerging technologies practically guarantees that future amphibious
operations will be come-as-you-are. It is critical that our forces form and
rehearse joint force packages to wage conflicts abroad without the adequate
preparation time. Currently, modernization includes amphibious lift for 2.5
Marine expeditionary brigade (MEB) equivalents, along with an amphibious force
composed of 12 LHA/Ds, 12 LPD 17s, and 12 LSD 41/49s; capable of forming 12
ARGs.

Marine Corps Strategy 21 provides the vision, goals, and aims to support the
development of future combat capabilities. That vision looks to enhance the
Corps? strategic agility, operational reach and tactical flexibility so it
can enable joint, allied, and coalition operations by providing scalable,
interoperable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. These MAGTFs can shape the
international environment and respond to the complex spectrum of crises and
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