Set and Drift: The Role of the Marine Corps over the next Decade

The direction that the U.S Marine Corps takes over the next fifty years will depend largely upon the politico-military role of the United States in the post-Cold War era. The Marine Corps has never existed in a purely military vacuum, and it is probable that because of its special role in rapid deployment and amphibious operations it will continue to serve as the primary agent of U.S. power projection throughout an increasingly unstable globe. The traditionally close relationship between the Marine Corps and the Department of State can be expected to continue, mainly because the Marines are capable of providing rapid and credible military support for the diplomatic and strategic objectives of U.S. foreign policy