[oneolcop]

The "modern era" marine corps hasn't made any major amphibious assault landings since Korea (which, by the way, involved both the 1st marine division and the 7th infantry division (army). Vertical envelopment has rendered the amphibious assault a second tier capability. While the USMC is probably still the most capable beach landing force, it is by no means the only assault force. Consider the 101st Air Assault Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 173rd Airborne Brigade. All are capable of kicking in the door virtually anywhere in the world, including in proximity to the beach.

Seriously, the USMC certainly is a fine LIGHT infantry organization, but the history they teach young marines is only a part of the story. Unfortunately, some people choose to ignore or minimize the rest.

[dcwusmc]

Vertical envelopment was something we developed kind of at the end of Korea and it’s worked out really well. We also use it in conjunction with amphibious assaults from over the horizon.

We do retain the amphib capability with our ARGs (Amphibious Ready Groups or whatever they call them today) with the MV-22 Osprey and the LCACs. Plus it’s a capability we can use (and have used) to put troops ashore in rescues and humanitarian situations.

Using the named army divisions in the assault does NOT offer the same capabilities as having a Marine Expeditionary Unit with its embedded air support and delivery units (the reinforced helicopter/Osprey squadron with Harriers). The air assault army divisions do NOT bring their logistics train with them, making it difficult to have a SUSTAINABLE operation of more than a couple of days.