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The Problems Facing United States
Marine Corps Amphibious Assaults
Steven A. Yeadon
Abstract: ere are calls by some experts to accept that an amphibious assault
of coastline is simply too risky to attempt due to current threats. So, what are
the challenges facing amphibious assaults? Is the amphibious assault still a vi-
able type of military operation in the current threat environment? ese ques-
tions are at the heart of the mission and role of the United States Marine Corps.
is analysis delves deep into the problems facing amphibious assaults, and it
serves as a primer for future discussions pertaining to improving amphibious
assault capabilities.
Keywords: amphibious operations, amphibious assault, antiaccess/area-denial,
A2/AD, near-peer competitors, threats, vulnerability
T
his analysis highlights areas of concern for modern United States Marine
Corps amphibious assaults. e goal of this analysis is to show that cur-
rent amphibious assault capabilities carry enormous risk against major
powers and potentially all powers possessing near-peer weaponry, unless a land-
ing is unopposed. is analysis will explore numerous reasons for this, and it
will bring greater attention to key issues that aect capabilities. is analysis is
meant to be actionable information on current limitations and vulnerabilities
of U.S. amphibious forces, in order to chart a way forward for a robust forcible
entry capability from the sea.
First, it is necessary to dene the terminology concerning amphibious op-
Steven A. Yeadon is an independent scholar living in Florida. He has been published in several
military-related publications, including MCU Journal (now JAMS), Fires, Army Aviation Digest,
Armor, and Infantry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of
Central Florida in Orlando.
Journal of Advanced Military Studies vol. 11, no. 2
Fall 2020
www.usmcu.edu/mcupress
https://doi.org/10.21140/mcuj.20201102008
