MARINE CHOWDER CHATTER AND WHAT'S MISSING

MARINE CHOWDER CHATTER AND WHAT'S MISSING

By Andy Weddington

Saturday, 03 December 2022 

Whoever sets the agenda controls the outcome of the debate. - Noam Chomsky 

There's intense disagreement ongoing between the Commandant of the Marine Corps and retired Marines (et al., known as Chowder II) as to 'Force Design 2030' (FD2030).  

Traditionally, the Corps handles disagreement by way of "professional discussion and debate." 

In short ...

The Commandant's FD2030 is driven by world dynamics; an emerging, determined enemy; lots of wargaming; probability; politics; classified variables to which I'm not privy; etc. For two years and ongoing aggressively reshaping and rearming the Marine Corps.  

Though however cleverly articulated and defended, speculation and prediction have historically not been a successful methodology for predicting enemy nor type of fighting.      

So regardless how good the tools, techniques, and instincts for forecasting, it still rains when radar, models, and meteorologists boast fair skies. That happened here within the past couple weeks. We got wet. But were prepared. 

Rain one thing. War another. 

About FD2030, hasty and more says Chowder II.  

They have published dozens of compelling arguments - sound, logical, fact-based, and, yes, with emotion based on extensive experience adding up to hundreds and hundreds of years meeting the 'ev'ry clime and place' line in the second verse of the Marines Hymn.

And a recent series of four articles outlining an opposing course - 'Vision 2035 - Restoring Maneuver' - all set for sequential release was just delayed after the first piece published 29 November. [Chowder II not cause for delay. See opening quote.]

Battles of all sort lived, survived, digested, and framed for future reference is Chowder II's foundation for calm but intense persuasive argument - the gentlemanly way.

And history is in play. 

Seventy-five years ago, only for a small group of courageous and determined Marine officers (14 active/4 reserve) known as the Chowder Society did the Marine Corps survive attack.

Since, consider the Marine Corps role in national security. 

What if there'd not been Marines?

I shudder. You ought to. 

Chowder II bigger.

What if ...

I shudder. You ought to. 

Like mid-century last, the institution of the Marine Corps at stake (by extension national defense and security) or so is convinced legions of living Marines, all generations, including active duty and reserve. 

Chowder II - smart, seasoned, savvy, scarred in combat Marines - their voice. 

High stakes.

Alas, to the point - crazy as some will inevitably charge - of today's commentary and what's missing. 

What if ...

A dozen analytical "geniuses" from sundry disciplines - none with military experience whatsoever and shouldering no agenda other than pride in quality of work and product and best interests of America - convened to consider FD2030? 

Facts. Evidence. Arguments. 

Juries usually get it right. 

It's a course of action. 

But here we are, presently ...

Agenda set by Commandant of the Marine Corps, et al., and holding control of debate. 

Outcome? 

Never underestimate even one Marine with a pulse. 

Chowder Society proof. 

To close ...

Opening lines from last of three verses of the Marines Hymn fitting ...

"Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life 

And never lost our nerve ... "

Post Script: More on Chowder II https://marinecorpscompasspoints.substack.com/