"US Marine Corps Short 6 Infantry Battalions, Navy..." Topic

… Short 100 Ships

"The Navy and Marine Corps are only "marginally" capable of meeting America's national security needs, according to a new scorecard from The Heritage Foundation.

The the conservative think tank's 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength had more than 20 authors take a look at the global operating environment and the mission of each branch of the U.S. military, it said.

With an eye on near-peer competitors like China and Russia, as well as regional threats like Iran and North Korea, the organization graded each branch of the U.S. military based on its ability to complete its mission…"
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Amicalement
Armand

The reduction in USMC MBTs to 0, reduction in Inf Bns, etc., etc., just shows someone is not paying attention, IMO. And imagine what will happen to the entire military when the rumored 10% cutbacks across the board come into effect next year. Again someone is not paying attention. And once again the USA will led from behind. Making us more vulnerable to our enemies. "Those that don't study history are doomed to repeat it." … again …

By cutting back the military for more social entitlements, illegal immigration, etc., etc., plays into some of the population's uninformed wishes, etc.

E.g. The US going more green. Great idea, but we only make up about 4.5% of the worlds population. If you are serious about global warming get the 3 biggest polluters to buy into it. I.e. China, India and Russia.

Instead of protesting in front of the US Capital as we recently saw. That misguided mob should have been in front of the PRC/CCP Embassy.

Now what does that have to do with the US Military? It's all about the … You take from one to give to the other and then another, etc, etc. But the pot of gold is only so big. Then when a national emergency occurs [and it will] and the US Military is needed to be at full strength, well trained and well equipped to do it's job and protect the USA.

Then the hand ringing and gnashing of teeth starts with the outrage of not being prepared.
Again … Those that don't study history …

I believe China has been taking steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions. It has a long way to go, but I believe they have made some commitments lately. I tried to find the articles I am thinking of, but I just don't have the time now.

Damon.

Yes, we should absolutely get the three biggest polluters to take major steps to curb emissions. We're number 2.

As you point out, we make up less than 5 percent of the global population, and have historically caused about 27% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, give or take.

I'm all in favor of getting the Chinese, Indians and Russians to make reforms. But a "do as I say and not as I do approach" is just not going to work.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

I believe China has been taking steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

I had not heard that, but it would nice if true …

As you point out, we make up less than 5 percent of the global population, and have historically caused about 27% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, give or take.

That sounds about right. And the US has also taken some steps in limiting greenhouse gases, etc. But IIRC, 43% of all new tech comes from the USA. That may have something to do with the 27% ?

I'm all in favor of getting the Chinese, Indians and Russians to make reforms. But a "do as I say and not as I do approach" is just not going to work.

AFAIK Russia and China don't do anything unless they want to. No matter what the USA or anyone else does, does not, do or say, etc. India they may be easier to work with. As I was told, the Russians want to destroy us and the Chinese want to own us. I'm going to stick with that until I see otherwise.

I know I don't cut PRC/CCP or Russians any slack. I'll admit I'm biased.

I think the conservative Heritage Foundation is paying attention and I don't think the Marine Corps Times would not have printed information they believed to be inaccurate.

I think the conservative Heritage Foundation is paying attention and I don't think the Marine Corps Times would not have printed information they believed to be inaccurate.

I didn't say it was inaccurate. I was referring to anyone who thought at this time it was a good idea to cutback on the USMC or any of the other services. I was paying attention …

and have historically caused about 27% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, give or take.

Just saw Sec Kerry on the news say the figure is 13% not 27 … As I said I thought maybe from some of the measures the US has already taken. So who knows ?!?

According to their commanding officer the Marines aren't short of anything. In fact they have too much of everything so are scrapping all tank battalions, engineering units, most artillery units and are disbanding several infantry and numerous helicopter units as well as looking at potentially scrapping a chunk of the fighter fleet (actually already cut as squadron size is reduced). Oh and remaining infantry battalions are losing manpower.

significantly lighter and much more maneuverable.

Despite the fact they're chopping vertical lift numbers and despite the fact that being lighter means they are losing a lot of capability.

If a soldier leaves his rifle, bayonet and ammo at home and only takes his cutlery, he is certainly lighter and more maneouvrable but he has also not brought much to the fight.

Yes, I agree on all points … like I said along with all the downsizing they sent their 200 M1s into "mothballs"/storage.

Again hopefully with a new commandant of the USMC and this guy retires or goes into politics … things may return to some form of "normalcy" in the Corps.