Marine Tanks. Where do we go in the future?

This is an issue that has me go in two different directions.  First, we should just go with a new build Marine Personnel Carrier, mount a large caliber gun on it (similar to but done much better than the Mobile Gun System Stryker) or We could simply say enough is enough...we can do without the added logistical burden of heavy armor....or we could keep the Abrams in service as is since its extremely formidable and lastly we could marry up with the Army and upgrade to the M1A2 TUSK or even Army Airborne and develop an Airborne Expeditionary Tank.  James Hasik asked the question....

Even the vehicle were not configured for parachuting, the purchase of even a battalion set of something like these would provide the Army a competitive expeditionary capability that the Marine Corps lacks. Companies of ASCODs CV90 tanks would be far more portable by air and sea those of Abrams or their kin. The Army is quite accustomed to working with Air Mobility Command and Military Sealift Command for moving its kit, and learning to get its light tanks on and off the Regular Navy’s amphibious ships would require rather less effort than mastering shipboard air operations. Note also that the Marines have deemphasized their tank companies of late: only eight companies remain in the active force, and another six in the reserves. For its reinforcing potential, an Army light tank initiative might actually be appreciated in the Corps. Conversely, the Marines themselves might look upon their relatively old M1A1 tanks—which the Army is removing from its inventory—and wonder whether a lighter tank would not be more appropriate for their organic units as well. But whether the Marines were moved by inter-service dynamics to move closer to or farther from the Army’s pattern, the effect could be beneficial. That whole 'Pacific Pivot’ almost demands it. 

Read his entire article here.

He touches on the other option that I've discussed before.  Pawning off the heavy armor tasks to the US Army and have them attach to our units when required.

The current Commandant would love this idea, but it takes away the in house "SHOCK TROOP" capability that has been a hallmark of Marine operations for over 200 years.

The future Commandant is gonna have alot on his plate.  A real deal decision on the F-35 is looming.  He will have to deal with real budgets, not fantasy projections.  What about the MPC, AAV Upgrade and the ACV?  What about the final, real deal end strength of the Marine Corps?  He'll also have to deal with Women in Combat Arms...not as a theoretical proposition but actually implementing a policy...without weakening Marine Combat Arms anymore than Amos already has.

Dealing with the issue of what we're going to do with Tanks might be the easiest issue the next Commandant deals with.