Three Dimensional Warriors: The Roles of the Osprey and the F-35B

The publication provides an overview of how aviation for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) shapes their entire capabilities and directs how they operate. USMC Aviation allows the USMC to be “three dimensional warriors” in fighting the “three block war.” Not only does aviation provide for 360-degree situational awareness, but aviation leverages the ground warrior against the “hybrid” enemies he faces today. As a former Commandant of the USMC characterized the challenge, the Marines have to be prepared to fight the “three block war.” For then Commandant General Krulak, Marines needed to be prepared to operate over the spectrum of warfare within confined space. USMC aviation provides the essential glue for such capability.

The new elements being added to the USMC – the V-22 and the F-35B – provide a significant advancement in capability to support these concepts of operations. The role of the air element for the USMC is essential to its future. One can have a police force that wears military uniforms or one can have a flexible military force enabled by full spectrum capability. The choice depends upon the central role provided by an integrated air element for USMC operations and options. The air element is the strategic glue, which enables diversified, decentralized, and flexible USMC operations.