Sea Control 555 - Infantry Battalions as Sensor Webs for the Fleet
Nov 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Zachary Schwartz, a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps and contributor to esteemed military publications, shares his insights on infantry tactics and technology. He discusses the importance of rigorous training evaluations to enhance operational readiness. Schwartz highlights innovative uses of unmanned aerial systems in scouting, empowering junior Marines to harness technology for better problem-solving. He also reflects on his academic journey, the evolution of 'The Connecting File' newsletter, and the importance of community collaboration for military advancements.
Major Zachary Schwartz emphasizes the significance of infantry battalions as critical sensors for the fleet through enhanced reconnaissance training.
The Connecting File newsletter serves as an innovative platform for sharing military tactics rapidly, fostering collaboration among Marines for improved readiness.
Encouraging junior Marines to experiment with new technologies and ideas is essential for fostering innovation and addressing operational challenges effectively.
Deep dives
Major Zachary Schwartz's Military Journey
Major Zachary Schwartz, an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, shares his professional background, emphasizing his journey through various roles in the military. After commissioning in 2012, he faced a setback due to a training accident but redirected his focus toward professional military education (PME), teaching military case studies. Schwartz's experience includes contributions as a warfighting instructor, an operational planner, and a company commander, where he primarily served in operational theaters such as Okinawa and Australia. His resilient path illustrates the importance of adaptability and continuous learning within military careers.
The Connecting File: Supporting Infantry Leaders
Schwartz co-founded The Connecting File, a newsletter aimed at infantry leaders, born out of the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This publication facilitates the rapid sharing of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) from Marines across the fleet, aspiring to make military professionals better equipped for their roles. Unlike traditional journals, The Connecting File provides immediate, digestible content that can be read quickly, empowering Marines to implement new strategies effectively. By fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the initiative seeks to enhance the overall proficiency and readiness of infantry units.
Scouting and Patrolling: Essential Skills for the Fleet
The podcast discusses Schwartz's article, which posits that infantry battalions should serve as scouting support for the fleet through enhanced training in reconnaissance and patrolling. He emphasizes the timeless utility of these skills in both traditional and modern military operations, suggesting the incorporation of innovative training methodologies to improve readiness. The underlying idea is that reinforcing these foundational skills will lead to better operational effectiveness during expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) and as stand-in forces. By honing their scouting abilities, Marines can become critical assets in collecting intelligence and facilitating better decision-making in combat situations.
Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) Explained
Schwartz delves into the operational context of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and the stand-in forces concept, explaining their relevance in contemporary military strategies. These operations involve forward-deployed Marine units existing within enemy weapons engagement zones, functioning as both combatants and sensors. Emphasizing the role of littoral combat teams, he argues for more robust training in scouting and patrolling within these units to enhance their tactical prowess and adaptability in hostile environments. By focusing on these operational frameworks, Marine forces can maintain a proactive stance in future conflicts, particularly in the Pacific theater.
Innovation Through Experimentation in the Ranks
The podcast highlights the importance of fostering a culture of innovation among junior Marines, positing that their creativity can lead to valuable tactical advancements. Schwartz suggests allowing these Marines to experiment with emerging technologies and concepts, akin to how historical figures overcame challenges during wartime. By providing resources and encouraging experimentation, units can leverage their youthful ingenuity to address complex operational problems. The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab can play a crucial role in facilitating this innovation, harnessing the energy and intelligence of young Marines to improve effectiveness on the ground and in maritime operations.
