FRAMING FORCE DESIGN 2030 FOR AVERAGE JOE
By Andy Weddington
Friday, 08 April 2022
Make sure that you always have the right tools for the job. It's no use trying to eat a steak with a teaspoon, and a straw. - Anthony T. Hincks
For the past couple years civilian friends - average Joes - have on occasion sent along articles about the changing Corps and asked for perspective.
Another came a week or so ago.
That they know me as a Marine with some degree of common sense my presumption is they assume I can explain, simply, what is going on and why.
But, typically, I profess not sure as retired more than 16 years and busy with more important matters so not paying much attention.
That's true. Somewhat.
I read Force Design 2030 (FD2030). And have read and listened to pro discourse explaining and defending the makeover.
And have read and listened to the critics - emotional to thoughtful.
In fact, the thoughtful critics (a growing cohort of genuine authorities - generals and sundry battle-tested gunfighters - on war and the Marine Corps way of waging) hold the more compelling argument.
I still do not have much time and as there's no point reviewing all the readily available material, FD2030 simply ...
Why?
Because the Commandant of the Marine Corps, et al., is convinced the next war - enemy and location - known.
This remarkable achievement, never before realized in the history of war, merits a Nobel (skip nomination).
What is going on?
Restructuring the Marine Corps - less steel works to new skill sets.
Specifically, the commandant is driving construction of smaller, agile forces trained and armed to wage a specific type of warfare - against China and in their back yard.
Purportedly, to increase lethality.
But, among other concerning variables, considering technology (and what will be), whose mortality?
With no tanks, less artillery, fewer aircraft, less steely-eyed killers, et al., curious the logic.
Now, how to frame for average Joe?
Most every day an inconvenience of some sort, sometimes minor and sometimes a lot more than minor, has me dig into my front left pocket for a tool - Quarrow (ironically, Made in China).
It's a miniature multipurpose of the larger variants popularized decades ago by Leatherman.
This versatile stainless steel tool can cut, punch, twist, screw, pry, file, scissor, grasp, dig, measure, etc., and those the obvious functions. The unforeseen impromptu capabilities and uses basically limited to imagination.
Quarrow is akin to a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) - the model for building scalable forces with all sorts of tools capable of a continuum of missions. [FD2030 defenders still talk MAGTF but the challengers, in light of the Marines and combat power deleted from inventory, correctly ask, "How?"]
Never have I carried a single Phillips head screwdriver just in case (Quarrow has one).
So, in summary and simply as possible, for average Joe ...
Deferring to history and the unpredictability of war, FD2030 seems the Phillips head screwdriver.
What if, and inevitably it will be, it's the wrong tool?
What if there's not call for any sort of screwdriver?
What if only a hammer (among other tools built into MAGTF) will do?
There's always value considering the simple and common sense; especially as to things unnecessarily complicated.
Whether eating steak or waging war, the bottom line: Ensure you have the right tool(s) for the job.
Otherwise, you're screwed.
This is no time to be spoon feeding nor drawing straws.
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7 comments:
A great analogy Andy. Tried the Leatherman while a rancher, but had it's limitations. Actually broke the tip off while mending barbed wire. Took my fellow ranchers' advice and went to Gerber. Lifetime warranty; had to have it replaced after about ten years when the knife became damaged attempting to cut something. Still carry with me after 28 years. Me thinks FD 2030 will not last that long.
Col - Most excellent piece. Causes one to pause and think. Reminds me of the "Untouchables" scene where Sean Connery exclaims to the hit man at his back door who pulls a knife, "Just like a Ginny to bring a knife to a gunfight." I hope the Marine Corps is not bringing a Phillips head screwdriver to a gunfight.
Col - Most excellent piece. Causes one to pause and think. Reminds me of the "Untouchables" scene where Sean Connery exclaims to the hit man at his back door who pulls a knife, "Just like a Ginny to bring a knife to a gunfight." I hope the Marine Corps is not bringing a Phillips head screwdriver to a gunfight.
Bob, glad to see you on here with Andy. Good comment, a Phillips Head to the next war." Loved it LOL
Thanks, Jim. I, too, own a Gerber - for a long, long, time.
And the problem, Rob, with Phillips head screwdrivers is if not the exact correct size worthless.
The real problem comes when regardless of the screwdriver head needed, the men who must apply that head to the screw to . . . well . . . screw the enemy, lack the necessary armor components to protect them to get close enough to use it. There is always that other particularly useful and adaptable tool men carry, usually in their wallet, called a prophylactic. It can be used on your rifle or your gun, one to prevent the round from going downrange and one to prevent the weapon from fouling so the round WILL go downrange. So, this flimsy piece of latex serves as armor much like the tanks that our "woke" Commandant has disposed of. What? Did they give off a too military look?
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