There are interim remedies to increase the Marine Corps’ capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will take a decade to fully repair.
Most people are familiar with Chinese finger cuffs. They make great party favors for kids. If you place your index fingers in them, it is very difficult to get out unless you know the trick. For the last six years, the United States Marine Corps has placed itself in Chinese finger cuffs of its own design, and it cannot figure out the trick to extracting itself.
In a recent article in the dissident unofficial Marine Corps publication “Compass Points,” retired General Tony Zinni points out the problem. Zinni is one of the most experienced and accomplished Marines of his generation, having directed complex combat and humanitarian missions as a joint commander. He argues that the current Marine Corps fixation with China is myopic and potentially fatal to the future of the Corps. He is absolutely correct.
