High-Density, Low-Cost C2 for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations

In his Commandant’s Planning Guidance issued in July 2019, General David H. Berger answers the question “What does the Marine Corps provide the Navy and the Joint Force?” with expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO). But he could have also said “provide the ‘eyes’, ‘ears’, and ‘mouth’ for EABs,” including the Navy and the joint force. Short duration EABs providing command and control (C2), fuel, armament, and shooting options inside an adversary’s weapons engagement area present a solution; however, these EABs require their own C2. Facing an adversary that can challenge the Marine Corps in all domains, the Marine Corps must be prepared to provide C2, sustain losses, and thrive.