IDEAS & ISSUES (AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS)
Forcible Entry From
the Sea
Maintaining a viable and unique capability
Marine forces must be able to isolate the objective area and seize objectives quickly during forcible entry operations. (Photo by Cpl Kamran Sadaghiani.)
Forcible entry from the sea is one of the most difficult and com- plex operations in warfare. The ability to isolate an objective
area, land forces ashore, and quickly secure key objectives requires meticulous
planning, careful synchronization, and
precise execution. While forcible entry
operations provide friendly forces considerable operational flexibility and
present significant challenges for the
enemy, these operations can also prove
disastrous if the landing force is not sufficiently trained or properly equipped.
The ability to conduct forcible entry
operations from the sea remains an area
largely unique to the Marine Corps.
Although the Marine Corps would be
expected to lead such operations in a
joint environment, the organization
faces shortfalls in amphibious equip-
ment, doctrinal refinement, and sus-
tainment training with the Navy. The
Marine Corps must find ways to ad-
dress these issues if it hopes to main-
tain a viable amphibious-based forcible
entry capability in the future.
>LtCol Wonson recently completed
a joint assignment with U.S. Special
Operations Command. He is currently the Commanding Officer, 1st
Battalion, 1st Marines, Camp
Pendleton.
