Cassandra Bennett

This document outlines the distinctive leadership philosophy of the U.S. Marine Corps, providing broad guidance on concepts and values. It is structured to describe the Marine ethos, cover the foundations of Marine Corps leadership, and address strategies for overcoming leadership challenges. The publication aims to educate Marines on their identity, leadership principles, moral conduct, and adaptability, fostering a sense of inherited legacy and assisting in the development of personal leadership styles within the Corps.

This document is a transcript of a podcast episode titled 'Chinese Sea Power in Ten Minutes,' featuring Dr. James Holmes. The discussion outlines China's military strategy, termed 'active defense,' which draws on concepts such as the 'rope-a-dope' and 'the hand' metaphors, along with the 'crumple zone' concept. It details how China aims to employ modernized versions of the 'fortress fleet' and 'new school of naval warfare' tactics, utilizing long-range coastal artillery and small, heavily armed vessels, to deter stronger adversaries and secure its regional maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific.

The event, identified as Day 2, Session 3A of the Arctic Security Symposium, focused on maritime issues in the Arctic. Discussions covered the concept of a 'blue arctic' due to warming temperatures leading to increased access and navigability in Arctic waters, enabling new markets, resources, and sea routes. Key challenges identified include Russian assertiveness and expansion along the Northern Sea Route, the rise of China's 'Fourth Ocean Strategy' and its growing presence via the Polar Silk Road, and the potential for friction and conflict due to limited frameworks for dialogue. The session detailed the work from the Newport Arctic Scholars Initiative, which produced 30 international principles of Arctic security and the forthcoming Newport Manual on Arctic Security. Recommendations included developing a code of unplanned encounters, addressing strategic choke points like the Bering Strait and Northern Sea Route, and establishing a high-level political-military forum. The Department of the Navy's Blue Arctic Strategy, which calls for enhanced naval presence, stronger partnerships (including with Indo-Pacific nations), and investments in ice-strengthened platforms, was also presented.

This document outlines the projected academic calendar for the Marine Corps University from academic years 2024 through 2029. It details key dates, including welcome aboard briefs, convocation awards ceremonies, and commencement dates for various schools and programs such as MCWAR, SAW, CSC, and EWS, along with their respective degree offerings.

This Commandant's Planning Guidance provides the strategic direction for the Marine Corps, outlining five priority focus areas: force design, warfighting, education and training, core values, and command and leadership. The plan aims to align the Service with national defense strategies, enhance warfighting capabilities through naval integration, optimize resource allocation across readiness, modernization, and infrastructure, and improve leadership quality. The overarching vision is to transform the Marine Corps into the world's premier naval expeditionary force, prepared to meet future challenges.