The strategic shift governing how Marines train and fight originated with the institutional restructuring known as the Force Design doctrine. Initiated under former Commandant Gen. David Berger and solidified through mid-decade exercises under current leadership, the transformation systematically dismantled decades of legacy capabilities to prepare the branch for potential high-end maritime conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
The service deactivated all seven active tank companies, transferring its entire fleet of M1A1 Abrams tanks back to the U.S. Army. It reduced conventional towed cannon artillery by more than 60% and scaled back heavy helicopter transport squadrons. In their place, the Marine Corps invested billions in anti-ship missile launchers mounted on autonomous joint light tactical vehicles, known as the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
| Operational Capability | Traditional Model (2010, 2019) | Distributed Doctrine (2020, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Armor | M1A1 Abrams tank battalions attached to divisions | Zero tanks; replaced by mobile anti-ship missile batteries |
| Core Littoral Unit | Regimental Combat Teams built for inland ground warfare | Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs) focused on sea denial |
| Squad-Level Aviation | Centralized air support requested through forward air controllers | Organic tactical drones and loitering munitions per rifle squad |
| Targeting Footprint | Direct line-of-sight strikes out to 15, 30 km | Sensor-to-shooter networking exceeding 185 km |
This restructuring fundamentally changed the mission profile of the frontline Marine. Rather than kicking down doors in urban environments or advancing behind heavy armor columns, Marine units now operate as the forward eyes and strike weapons of the broader naval fleet, bottling up enemy warships within narrow maritime corridors.
