The Marine Corps went through dramatic doctrinal changes prior to the outbreak of World War II. These changes were the product of two decades of evolution-not revolution. The Marine Corps was adapting to an emerging threat with emerging technologies. Similarly, today's Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) is an evolution brought about by a marriage of technology and a requirement to meet a future threat. Our current focus with OMFTS reflects a desire to be ready and responsive, and to project unique capabilities, vital to the interests of the United States, that cannot be duplicated by any other service.
After World War I, the Marine Corps was seen by some as a second ground army, and quickly was returned to its prewar naval guard duty role. In order to survive and prosper, it had to develop doctrine and capabilities to fill a national defense need. OMFTS reflects a similar change in the fundamental way Marines view their role in both expeditionary operations and the national defense. OMFTS expands our capabilities well into the 21 st century. It is a form of institutional self-preservation, similar to that of the 1920s.
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