Author Description

Our Nation faces challenges that are global in reach and scope. While today's Marines are performing superbly in every time and place, our institution must also devote attention to tomorrow's threats and opportunities. It is our obligation to subsequent generations of Marines, and to our Nation to always have an eye to the future -to prepare for tomorrow's challenges today. This Vision and Strategy document confirms who we are, what we believe, and what we do. It establishes the foundation for our operational concepts and identifies the critical steps needed to shape our Corps for an increasingly volatile an uncertain future. It is grounded firmly in our legislated role as the Nation's "force in readiness," and it will guide our Service so that we are properly organized, trained, equipped, and prepared for tomorrow's challenges. With little warning, our Nation calls its Corps of Marines front and center during its most challenging times. Responding rapidly to crisis and strategic surprise is an integral part of our history as a Corps. In the South Pacific after Pearl Harbor, in Korea after the communist invasion in1950, in the jungle outposts in Viet Nam, in the deserts of Southwest Asia, and in the mountains of Afghanistan-Marines have distinguished themselves as an expeditionary, multicapable force able to respond and win battles for our Nation. We have been prepared in the past because we understood that a force in readiness must be well-trained, broadly educated, and properly equipped for employment across all forms of warfare. We believe the individual Marine is the most formidable weapon on today's battlefield and will remain so tomorrow. Whatever the future holds, our emphasis on making Marines will not change. Expeditionary excellence requires Marines who are morally, physically, and mentally tough. Marines must be agile, capable of transitioning seamlessly between fighting, training, advising, and assisting-or performing all of these tasks simultaneously. T