I miss General Mattis.

I agree ^^^^^

This has been known for the past couple of years, this isn't a new development. The Marine Corps is going back to its roots, an Expeditionary Force. That's why the tanks are gone, and fat is being trimmed to make it more mobile. The Corps was never designed or intended to be anything like the Army, an occupying force. Wondering how this has flown under the radar for most of you.

I believe he had a hand in designing this new force structure. From what I'm hearing the new tech they're getting is making squad sized elements extremely effective and lethal. I have a friend who was on his PSD in Iraq. He has some pretty good stories from that experience.

Me too. History tells you they have wanted to get rid of the Marine Corps since the Korean war ended.

The Mission of USN which the USMC falls under is projection of power: if you do a little digging you will find the POTUS can utilize this power without permission from Congress. To project the other other branches (USA) it has to be approved by Congress or they give POTUS special permission as he has today because of GWOT, which is why the 82 ABN is deployed today. Congress is planning on stripping POTUS of the power to start a war, probably believing that a GOP president will be in power next go around. If you notice that SOC falls under the USN and specialized personnel from all branches work under an AdrInal, therefore congress is not notified of operations until after they are done or in progress. Understanding that certain committee members are in the know. So yes by reducing the USMC we are limiting the power of the president in the future. Just as Obama reduced our capability to operate in two global theaters at once. Next watch for the reduction in USN aircraft carriers and task force.

So has the defense contractors lost their clout or do they have something else up their sleave's, no doubt they are learning alot about tank warfare in Ukraine

I doubt you see a reduction in carriers or task forces in the foreseeable future. They are our force projection multipliers. Literally the only things keeping certain countries in check.