I think the point is that without the Philipines bases and commitment, the US would have been a lot less involved in the western Pacific strategically. Japan and the US might not have been in such strategic tension if the US didn’t consider our foreign policy interests to extend so strongly to the far side of the Pacific. IF Japan could have done it southward expansion without inevitable war with the US, then they would not have attacked Pearl Harbor, is one line of speculation.
It is the Philippines which now suffer from our expulsion. They would be swallowed by China if this was the 1800s.
I like our chances with subs and missiles. I read awhile back that the marines aren’t really thinking amphibian assault applies anym ore. And when’s the last time we dod a blockade, not that we don’t need one. The middle eats is my focus. We should blockade Iran until they stop the development and dismantal their ICBM program. I don’t feel the need to be in the eastern pacific.
I would make all mains the infantry and combine branches. In San Diego we need a regional airport and 20 miles away is a marine air base. The base and it’s mission should be inside pendleton another 20 miles away.
When I’m king, I’m going to streamline the military. Have 50,000 marines ready to go to four places at the same time in 30 hours and combine as many redundant forces as possible.
I envision 1,000 Israeli drones attacking the Iran in my sleep.