The Marine Corps is the first service scheduled to have a change in top leadership the Army, Navy and Air Force will also get new chiefs later this summer and fall.īerger took command of the Corps on July 11, 2019, and must step down after four years, on July 10. Smith warned at the confirmation hearing that the hold on nominations could leave key leadership gaps and prevent some lieutenant colonels from getting promoted. Tuberville is protesting a Pentagon policy that affords troops time off and travel expenses if they seek an out-of-state abortion and has said he won’t let up while the policy is in place. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, on senior military nominees. Smith’s confirmation faces a significant complication: a blanket hold by Sen. He said the problem requires a range of solutions: deals with allies and partners to pre-stage materiel in forward locations investing in unmanned systems in all domains to deliver supplies using new materials to make ammunition and armor lighter and easier to transport and, especially, investing in additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing.

Smith repeatedly talked about logistics as a key focus of his in continuing to implement Force Design. They have prioritized systems that can be used by small teams of Marines dispersed throughout the Pacific.

“If confirmed, I’ll seek support where required, and I’ll never be shy about telling you what our young Marines need to have an unfair fight in the Pacific or globally,” Smith told senators.Īs part of Force Design, the Marines have tried to shed heavy systems or those that require significant manpower or parts to operate forward. Smith will need to continue cultivating that support now that, as he acknowledged Tuesday, the Marine Corps can no longer self-fund its modernization efforts through extensive divestments. Congress, however, has largely expressed support for Force Design.

Instal Pacific Warships