Unveiling the Genesis of Marine Corps Amphibious Doctrine: A Historical Exploration from 1898 to 1941

The United States Marine Corps, renowned for its amphibious prowess, has crafted a legacy of marine warfare excellence that has shaped the course of history. The development of its amphibious doctrine, the guiding principles and practices that govern its amphibious operations, has been an intricate process spanning decades of innovation and adaptation. This article delves into the origins and evolution of Marine Corps amphibious doctrine from its inception in 1898 to its maturation in 1941.

Land the Landing Force: The Development of U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Doctrine, 1898–1941

by Eric Hammel

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1873 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Genesis: The Spanish-American War (1898)

The Spanish-American War marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Marine Corps. Its role in the capture of Guantanamo Bay and the Battle of San Juan Hill highlighted the need for a specialized force capable of operating in both land and sea environments. This realization sparked the development of the first amphibious landing doctrine, outlined in the "Tactics and Technique of Landing Operations" manual published in 1898.

Early Experiments and Lessons Learned (1898-1917)

In the years following the Spanish-American War, the Marine Corps experimented with various amphibious techniques and equipment. Amphibious assault drills became a regular part of training, and new landing craft were developed to improve the efficiency and safety of landings. Notable experiments included the use of improvised landing craft, such as the "turtle rafts" used in the 1914 Veracruz Expedition.

The Influence of World War I (1917-1918)

World War I provided a proving ground for amphibious warfare. The Gallipoli Campaign, in particular, demonstrated the complexities and challenges of coordinating amphibious operations. The Marines' involvement in the campaign led to valuable lessons learned, which were incorporated into the development of amphibious doctrine.

The Development of Specialized Equipment (1919-1939)

The interwar period witnessed significant advancements in specialized amphibious equipment. The development of the Higgins boat, a versatile landing craft, revolutionized the Marine Corps' ability to conduct amphibious operations. Other innovations included the development of amphibious vehicles, such as the LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked),and specialized equipment for beachhead operations.

The Rise of Amphibious Theory (1939-1941)

In the late 1930s, the Marine Corps began to formalize its amphibious doctrine. Major General John A. Lejeune, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, recognized the need for a cohesive theory of amphibious warfare. This led to the development of the "Marine Corps Doctrine, Amphibious Operations," published in 1941. This document outlined the basic principles and techniques of amphibious operations, including the concept of a unified command structure, the importance of close air support, and the need for comprehensive planning and coordination.

The development of Marine Corps amphibious doctrine from 1898 to 1941 was a gradual and iterative process. Through a combination of operational experience, experimentation, and theoretical refinement, the Marine Corps forged a doctrine that would become the cornerstone of its amphibious capabilities. The principles established during this period would guide the Marine Corps through subsequent conflicts, including World War II and beyond.

The legacy of this early amphibious doctrine continues to shape the Marine Corps' approach to amphibious warfare today. The ongoing evolution of amphibious doctrine ensures that the Marine Corps remains at the forefront of amphibious operations, capable of responding to the evolving challenges of a complex and dynamic world.

Land the Landing Force: The Development of U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Doctrine, 1898–1941

by Eric Hammel

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1873 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE