USMC Aviation and the Corps in general is at a dangerous intersection in its history.
Its canceled the Marine Personnel Carrier, delayed for about the 50th time a decision on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle and is slow walking an upgrade to the Amphibious Assault Vehicle.
Its doing all this while it has three aircraft programs that are topping out at over 100 million dollars for each model.
Quite honestly one squadron less of each plane (CH-53K, MV-22 and F-35B) would fully pay for modernization of Marine Corps ground transport.
USMC air is developing into a full fledged naval air force that competes with carrier aviation in mission AND budget. This new Marine Corps Aviation Force appears to be casting aside its primary mission of focusing on supporting Marines and turning into a force that is tailored for SOCOM support and deep interdiction.
Its not a force that we need.
Is it time to swallow hard, understand that the Wing as designed will not be around to support Marine ground and plan on conducting operations without them? This will mean increased artillery, more tanks on float, more robust (if fewer) infantry battalions and a greater reliance on Army aviation for aerial support....but it seems the only way.
