Colonel Mark Cancian, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), works in a think tank in Washington and is a frequent contributor to Proceedings. He served in the Marine Corps for 33 years. From September 2006 to March 2007, he served as the G-7 Assistant Chief of Staff for Assessments in the Multi National Force-West in Iraq.

Articles by Mark Cancian

One light amphibious warship design being considered by the Navy and Marine Corps is the stern landing vessel (SLV), built by Sea Transport Solutions, an Australian company.

Rethink the Light Amphibious Warship

By Colonel Mark Cancian, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
November 2020
The Navy and Marine Corps have considered several light amphibious warship designs. The Navy should buy a small number of ships with the initial design and experiment.
The threat of privateers to China’s maritime economy could strengthen deterrence and possibly prevent a war.

Unleash the Privateers!

By Colonel Mark Cancian, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) and Brandon Schwartz
April 2020
The threat of privateers to China’s maritime economy could strengthen deterrence and possibly prevent a war.
Gallup Organization

Winning Hearts and Minds at Home

By Colonel Mark F. Cancian, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Retired)
September 2010
With public support for counterinsurgency operations souring, the challenge now will be to justify the force we think we need.
U.S. NAVY

No "Stab in the Back" in Iraq

By Colonel Mark F. Cancian, USMCR (Ret.)
April 2005
It is an evasion of responsibility to blame the civilian leadership because events in Iraq have not unfolded a expected.

Seeing through the Fog of War

By Colonel Mark F. Cancian, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Retired)
February 2004
Is the fog of war an inevitable feature of conflict or can modern technology progressively reduce uncertainty to the point where it is not militarily significant ? The debate about ...