SUBJECT AREA Topical Issues EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Title: Remaining Relevant in the 21st Century.

Maneuver From the Sea", and the 31st Commandant's Planning Guidance, the manner in which the Marine Corps should be concentrating to remain relevant in the 21st century political and military environment? Are there any institutional changes which may be incorporated that might enhance Marine Corps relevancy? Discussion: We are entering an era of smaller, mainly unconventional and culturally motivated conflicts, waged for the most part either inside, rather than outside national boundaries, or in an environment in which boundaries do not matter at all. This chaotic situation of many smaller crises ranges from well-publicized natural disasters, to ethnic unrest, to civil wars. While the American military may remain focused on major regional conflicts, the most likely challenges we will confront already exist in the form of ethnic and religious conflicts, international terrorism, and drug trafficking. The forces required for such operations are generally small in number with specialized capabilities and assets designed to arbitrate, contain, and control conflict, reestablish stability, or assist law enforcement, other government, nongovernmental Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-018