CDI

Every Marine a . . . What, Exactly?

The Marine Corps’ generalist ethos has served it well. But Marines whose aptitudes lie in highly technical specialties need greater opportunity to focus on those jobs without disruption.

April 2025
Soldiers load American Red Cross supplies with the help of volunteers from the Ameri­Corps National Civilian Community Corps. The thousands of young adults age 18 to 26 who complete national service with AmeriCorps have demonstrated a commitment to serve and are ready to learn more about the Sea Services.

Ready to Serve: Recruit from AmeriCorps

By investing more recruiting resources into national service programs such as AmeriCorps, the Sea Services could access a demographic with a propensity for service and teamwork.

Commander Michael Russell, U.S. Coast Guard
March 2025
Seabees unload a concrete bucket at Cubi Point, the Philippines. In the 1950s, Seabees built Cubi Point Naval Air Station—something civilian contractors claimed was impossible given the mountainous, jungle-covered terrain.

Time for a Seabee Resurgence

The Department of the Navy needs to start tasking Seabee battalions with constructing infrastructure projects across the Pacific.

Commander John Orr, U.S. Navy
February 2025
Sailors from the Republic of Korea Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force tour the USS Benfold (DDG-65) during a trilateral antisubmarine warfare exercise. Closer cooperation between Japan and South Korea would benefit both countries’ national security.

A Warming Korea–Japan Relationship Is Necessary

There is an unspoken understanding that, if push came to shove, these forces—and those of the United States—would stand shoulder to shoulder and go into harm’s way for each other.

Lieutenant Jeong Soo Kim, U.S. Navy Reserve
December 2024
MSRon 10, assigned to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conducts maritime security operations off the Horn of Africa. Maritime expeditionary security squadrons offer junior officers authorities and responsibilities usually reserved for more-senior officers.

Junior Officers in Expeditionary Command

Young surface warfare officers eager for the challenges and excitement of early command will find it in the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force.

Commander Joey Vitollo, U.S. Navy
November 2024
The Isaac Peral is the first of four S-80-class submarines, but Spain may need more to meet all its security needs.

The Spanish Navy Needs More Submarines

Spain’s geostrategic situation and current global events call for more submarines.

Commander Augusto Conte de los Ríos, Spanish Navy
October 2024