Top Marine Corps Commander Wants Smaller Forces Not Just Hypersonic Weapons

Gen. David Berger, the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, visits Camp Lejeune, N.C., on May 3, 2021. (Lance Cpl. Jennifer Reyes/U.S. Marine Corps)  

Stars and Stripes: Marine Corps commandant calls for focus on small forces not just hypersonic weapons to challenge China in the Pacific  

WASHINGTON – Marines – not just hypersonic missiles – are key to preventing a conflict with China and its growing military arsenal, the top general for the Marine Corps said Tuesday. 

“The standoff [with missiles] from 1000 miles away works right into [China’s] strategy,” Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger said during an event at the Center for a New American Security, a liberal-leaning Washington-based think tank. 

“We have to be in there [with troops], we have to be close-up and forward.” 

In August, China successfully tested its first hypersonic missile – a feat the United States is working toward but has not accomplished. Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., called the test “a call to action” for American arms development, urging more be done to field such weapons.  

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Update #1: Gen. David Berger: Marine Corps Needs Training Tools That Replicate Adversaries (Federal Executive)  

Update #2: Berger: Pacific Stand-In Forces Will Rely on Allies, Joint Force Sensors to Avoid Another Wake Island (Sea Power Magazine)  

WNU Editor: The top US Marine Corps General reveals the biggest risk to the US Marines .... US Marines chief reveals biggest risk for his force (RT).