A Strategy That Squanders U.S. Marines' Greatest Strengths

As we watch the unfolding development of a U.S. strategy in the Western Pacific designed to counter Chinese aggressive actions, we are reminded of the nation's strategy in the lead-up to World War II. Then, America dotted the Pacific with bases that were pre-emptively attacked by Japan. First hit was Pearl Harbor, and if Admiral Chuichi Nagumo had not gotten cold feet, a second wave attack could have knocked out the dry docks, maintenance facilities, fuel storage containers, and more. By luck our aircraft carriers were not in port, or the totality of the destruction would have taken years to rebuild and regenerate.