Friday, April 01, 2011

Royal Australian Navy. A force without a spear.



The Australian Defense establishment and the Royal Navy in particular are to be congratulated on their procurement plans.

They are assembling a credible amphibious capability...but are missing the specialized force necessary to fully exploit new equipment coming online.  Cross training with the US Marine Corps has demonstrated one thing.  The Australian Defense establishment is missing a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to having a full spectrum force....

It  lacks a Marine Corps.  Having a battalion of Army Infantry cross trained to act in a naval role is short sighted and inadequate.

My modest proposal.  Form a Battalion of Marines.  The benefits will be incalculable and the risks are negligible.