In a recent War On The Rocks podcast episode, Ryan Evans, founder of War on the Rocks, engaged in a comprehensive discussion with General Eric Smith, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The conversation spanned a wide array of critical topics, offering insights into the Commandant’s vision for the Marine Corps, his Commandants Planning Guidance, and the ongoing evolution of the force to meet contemporary challenges. This article breaks down the key themes discussed, highlighting the Marine Corps’ focus on its people, lethality, and mobility in an era demanding adaptation and strategic foresight, all analyzed through the lens of expert discussion found on platforms like War on the Rocks.
People First: Talent Management and Marine Quality of Life
General Smith emphasized that his Commandants Planning Guidance will center on three core themes, starting with the most vital asset: Marines themselves. He stressed the importance of a holistic approach, encompassing recruitment, training, and crucially, retention. For General Smith, talent management is fundamentally about communication and respect for the individual Marine. He articulated a philosophy of involving Marines in conversations about their careers, acknowledging their desires and attempting to align them with the needs of the Marine Corps.
This approach recognizes the evolving demographics and expectations of today’s Marine Corps. With a higher percentage of married Marines and increasing concerns about family well-being, the Marine Corps is adapting its policies to be more family-conscious. Spousal employment, facilitated through credential portability and Department of Defense support, is a significant area of focus. Furthermore, the Marine Corps is introducing greater flexibility in assignments, allowing Marines to request extended tours at desired locations to accommodate family needs, a significant shift from past rigid assignment practices.
Another innovative initiative discussed was the “opt-out” program, allowing Marines to temporarily step back from command or promotion consideration for personal or professional reasons. This acknowledges the complexities of modern life and provides Marines with options to balance their service with personal circumstances, whether it’s pursuing further education, supporting family, or simply needing a pause. The “career intermission” concept further exemplifies this commitment to retention, allowing Marines to take a year off for significant personal matters and return to their careers without penalty. These talent management strategies, as highlighted in discussions around defense and strategy on platforms like War on the Rocks, are not just about being “kinder and gentler,” but about being strategically smarter in retaining valuable personnel and expertise within the Marine Corps. The Commandant also proudly noted the top national ranking of DoDEA schools, underscoring the commitment to military families and the quality of education available to them.
Enhancing Lethality and Modernizing Training
The second major theme of the Commandant’s guidance is lethality. General Smith firmly stated the Marine Corps’ role as “America’s crisis response force” and a “lethal fighting force.” Continuing Force Design initiatives is paramount to maintaining and enhancing this lethality. Force Design, which General Smith clarified is an ongoing journey rather than a fixed 2030 plan, is driven by threat-informed, fact-based analysis to ensure the Marine Corps remains prepared for pacing threats, a shift in focus from the counter-insurgency operations of recent decades, a strategic pivot often analyzed and debated on War on the Rocks.
To enhance lethality, the Marine Corps is also革新izing its training methodologies. General Smith advocated for leveraging visual and accessible training methods, drawing an analogy to the ubiquity of YouTube tutorials for everyday tasks. He envisions a shift from lengthy, less engaging computer-based training to more effective, visually-driven, and readily accessible training modules. The goal is to make training more useful and relevant for individual Marines, while still meeting congressional mandates for specific training requirements. Experimentation and war gaming, foundational to Force Design 2030, will continue to be vital tools. General Smith emphasized the “virtuous cycle” of concept development, war gaming, experimentation, and feedback, a continuous loop of learning and adaptation. The upcoming Robert Neller Center for war gaming and analysis will further institutionalize this process. He acknowledged the challenges of public communication about war games, emphasizing that their value lies in iterative learning and data points rather than definitive predictions. The key is to use war games as pieces of the puzzle, informing and refining strategy, a concept regularly explored in strategic discussions on War on the Rocks.
Mobility: Projecting Power and Strategic Positioning
Mobility, the third pillar of the Commandant’s vision, is crucial for a crisis response force. “Unless you can get to the fight, it doesn’t matter what you bring to the fight,” General Smith asserted. Organic mobility is a combination of factors, starting with amphibious warships. He affirmed the commitment to a minimum of 31 amphibious warships, aligning with legal requirements and dispelling previous notions of disagreement with the Navy on this number. The addition of Landing Ship Mediums (LSMs) is also vital, particularly for supporting Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs).
The Marine Littoral Regiment exemplifies the Marine Corps’ adaptation for mobility and lethality in the Indo-Pacific region. General Smith highlighted the full operational capability of the 3rd MLR in Hawaii and the forthcoming 12th MLR in Japan, a significant shift in the U.S. military posture in Japan. MLRs are designed to be light, lethal, and austere, capable of standing in weapons engagement zones and providing sea denial, a critical component of distributed maritime operations. These units represent a purpose-built Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) tailored for specific operational environments, showcasing the Marine Corps’ proactive response to evolving strategic demands, often discussed in the context of Indo-Pacific power dynamics on War on the Rocks.
Long-range fires are integral to both lethality and mobility. General Smith expressed a strong commitment to advancing long-range fire capabilities, acknowledging the proliferation of long-range weapons among both state and non-state actors. The focus is on lightweight, mobile long-range fire systems, such as the Naval Strike Missile and Precision Strike Missile, to enhance the Marine Corps’ ability to project power while maintaining agility. Organic mobility also extends beyond ships and aircraft to include KC-130s, MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53s, and unmanned systems for logistics, fires, and communications, creating a multi-layered and resilient mobility architecture.
Offensive Mindset in a Modern Battlespace
Addressing the perception that Force Design might emphasize defense over offense, General Smith firmly rejected this characterization. He asserted that stand-in forces are inherently offensive, focused on sensing adversary actions, making sense of their intentions, and ultimately, enabling lethal action. The Marine Corps’ offensive mindset remains core to its identity. While modern warfare necessitates engagement at greater distances, utilizing long-range fires and integrated kill webs, the fundamental Marine ethos of closing with and destroying the enemy remains unchanged. Bayonet training, as a symbol of close combat readiness, continues, underscoring the Marine Corps’ commitment to all facets of warfare, from long-range engagements to the gritty realities of ground combat. The Commandant’s perspective reinforces the idea that adapting to modern technology amplifies, rather than diminishes, the Marine Corps’ offensive capabilities, a viewpoint often analyzed in discussions about modern warfare on War on the Rocks.
Infantry Battalion Size and Naval Integration
The size of the infantry battalion, a topic of debate during the Force Design 2030 era, was also addressed. General Smith clarified the current standardized size at 811 Marines, a reduction from the nominal 896, but emphasized that this leaner battalion is more lethal and capable due to enhanced technology, range, and communications. Infantry Battalion Experimentation (IBX) continues to validate this structure, with data informing any future adjustments. He highlighted that even at a reduced size, the Marine infantry battalion remains a significant force compared to global counterparts.
On naval integration, General Smith expressed a positive and collaborative relationship with Admiral Franchetti, emphasizing shared vision for a powerful naval expeditionary force. While acknowledging challenges in ship maintenance across the Navy, he conveyed optimism about the future of amphibious capabilities with the commitment to 31 amphibs and the addition of LSMs. This naval partnership is foundational to the Marine Corps’ ability to execute its expeditionary mission and project power globally, a cornerstone of discussions on naval strategy on War on the Rocks.
Global Deployments and Strategic Learning
The interview touched upon current Marine Corps deployments, including the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Mediterranean and deployments in the Indo-Pacific, such as Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) and Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D). General Smith highlighted the distributed nature of the 26th MEU’s deployment, showcasing its operational flexibility and global reach. He underscored the MEU’s capabilities for strike operations and non-combatant evacuation operations at scale, emphasizing the unique role of amphibious ready groups in such missions.
MRF-SEA and MRF-D, along with MEUs on deployment, serve as crucial platforms for experimentation and interoperability. These deployments are actively involved in testing new technologies, including drones and VBAT systems, and refining distributed operations concepts. Experimentation focuses on sustainment in austere environments, additive manufacturing, expeditionary contracting, and command and control in distributed scenarios. Interoperability with allies and partners is a key objective, moving beyond reassurance to practical integration of capabilities, enabling seamless joint operations with partners across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. These deployments and partnerships are vital for maintaining regional stability and projecting U.S. influence, topics frequently examined within the strategic analysis on War on the Rocks.
Taiwan Contingency and Deterrence
Addressing the contingency of a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan, General Smith acknowledged the complexities of the Taiwan Strait environment, including weather patterns that could constrain amphibious operations. While deferring to INDOPACOM on specific operational details, he affirmed that exercise and deployment schedules are constantly evaluated to ensure forces are positioned strategically during periods of heightened risk. The Marine Corps’ standing forces in the Indo-Pacific are particularly valuable in this context, providing a persistent presence and the ability to operate within the weapons engagement zone when other forces might withdraw. This “first to fight” ethos remains central to the Marine Corps identity, requiring continuous modernization and adaptation to maintain its edge in contested environments. The strategic implications of the Taiwan contingency and the role of the Marine Corps are subjects of ongoing analysis and debate on War on the Rocks and in the broader defense community.
Safety and Operational Risk Management
General Smith addressed the tragic accidents experienced by the Marine Corps, emphasizing his commitment to minimizing operational risk. Safety reviews and stand-downs are conducted to thoroughly investigate incidents and identify areas for improvement in maintenance, procedures, and training. He acknowledged the inherent risks of military operations, particularly the demanding nature of Marine Corps aviation and ground operations. However, he stressed that his responsibility is to relentlessly drive risk down to the lowest possible level, ensuring that Marines are as safe as possible while executing their demanding missions. This commitment to safety is paramount in maintaining combat readiness and public trust, a critical aspect of military leadership discussed across various platforms, including War on the Rocks.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Influences
Reflecting on his career, General Smith highlighted the profound influence of his Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), whom he credits as the “backbone of the Corps” and key sources of discipline and leadership. He named several influential sergeants major and staff NCOs who shaped his development. He also acknowledged several key officers who served as impactful bosses and mentors throughout his career, alongside civilian leaders like former Deputy Secretaries of Defense Ash Carter, Bob Work, and Christine Fox. These diverse influences underscore the importance of mentorship and leadership at all levels within the military and civilian defense establishment.
Finally, General Smith shared a list of books that have significantly impacted his career, ranging from classic military fiction like “Fields of Fire” and “Once an Eagle” to historical and strategic analyses such as “For Country and Corps,” “Kill Chain,” “Battle for the Falklands,” and “This Kind of War.” These recommendations offer insights into the reading habits of a senior military leader and the intellectual foundations of strategic thinking within the Marine Corps, resources often explored and recommended within the War on the Rocks community.
Conclusion: A Marine Corps Ready for the Future
General Smith’s interview on War on the Rocks provides a comprehensive overview of his vision for the Marine Corps. His emphasis on people, lethality, and mobility, underpinned by continuous adaptation, experimentation, and strong naval integration, paints a picture of a Marine Corps proactively evolving to meet the challenges of a dynamic global security environment. The focus on talent management, modernized training, littoral operations, and long-range fires demonstrates a clear strategic direction, ensuring the Marine Corps remains a relevant and formidable force in the 21st century. Through platforms like War on the Rocks, these critical discussions about defense strategy and military modernization reach a broad audience, fostering informed public discourse and contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges and adaptations facing the U.S. Marine Corps and the wider defense community.
