Threats

The F-35 Won't Be Going To War Against ISIS Just Yet

The U.S. Marine Corps will declare its vertical-flight Joint Strike Fighter ready for war in July, but a top general says it’s unlikely the jets will head to Iraq any time soon.

Business

Marine Commandant, Air Force Cargo Pilot Tapped to Lead Pentagon

A former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and the head of Transportation Command will be Obama’s picks to lead the military during a time of swelling threats, widened missions, and budget uncertainty.

Science & Tech

Marines Testing Piggyback Hunter Drones

A marriage of one unmanned rover and one flying drone is the “next level” in battlefield autonomy.

Science & Tech

The Marines Are Building Robotic War Balls

The future of amphibious assault looks kind of like an explosive inner tube. It’s really a drone.

Science & Tech

V-22 Osprey Could Get Some Serious Firepower

The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey has relied on its agility to defend itself, but forward-firing rockets could give the tiltrotor more lethal firepower. By Marcus Weisgerber

Ideas

How Many Flying Hours Does It Take To Kill a Terrorist?

Why is the Marine Corps so afraid of my simple idea? By Todd Harrison

Ideas

These Are the Marines' Biggest Challenges, 239 Years Later

The Marines’ mission in Helmand Province just ended and the Corps just got its 36th commandant. Here's what lies ahead for the force. By Stephen Liszewski

Policy

Dunford Didn’t Endorse Plan to Pull Troops from Afghanistan by 2017

The president’s plan for withdrawing from Afghanistan can’t escape comparisons to Iraq – even from his top commander. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Obama Picks Dunford as Next Marine Corps Commandant

The question now is who will replace Gen. Joseph Dunford as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan to oversee the end of the war? By Ben Watson

Ideas

Eliminating Double Standards in the Marine Corps

Gen. Amos was right to change the policy prohibiting women from taking the Infantry Officer Course twice. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Ideas

Can Another ‘Anbar Awakening’ Save Iraq?

Only disgruntled Sunni tribes can halt Iraq’s descent into another sectarian hell. By James Kitfield

Science & Tech

Marines Could Get Lighter with 'Thin' Computing

The Marines are asking for industry input on the development of a virtual desktop infrastructure -- thin cients -- for classified networks. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

This Massive Robot Could Soon Join Marines on the Battlefield

The testing phase of DARPA's new Legged Squad Support System, an autonomous robot that can carry 400 lbs through rugged terrain, is expected to be completed by next summer. By Alexis C. Madrigal

Science & Tech

A Marine Grunt's Take on GPS, Compasses, Radios and the 'Golden Hour'

Despite advances in technology on the battlefield, when it comes down to determining north, south, east or west, the compass is still a mighty handy gadget. By Bob Brewin

Business

Amos' Marines Could Go Even Smaller, to 120,000

All due respect, but Commandant Amos isn’t going deep enough. The Marine Corps can drop to 120,000 using MEUs. Here’s how. By Aaron Haubert

Business

America Needs a Robust Crisis Response Force

With a sequestered budget, a force design of 174,000 is right sized to allow the Marine Corps to remain America’s crisis response force.

Ideas

Gen. Amos on Reinventing the Marines, Owning Sequester and Why COIN Is More Relevant Than Ever

The Marine Commandant talks about the future of warfare and how budget cuts are here to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell

Defense Systems

Navy plans internal blog on IT

A new Navy blog that discusses information technology will be available only to members of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Defense Systems

Marine Corps wants green IT partnership with Army, industry

The Marine Corps wants to collaborate with the Army and industry on green IT systems that would lighten the logistical loads for warfighters.