Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps speaks on Force Design 2030 initiatives > US Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
Tori J. Ross
2 min read
Gen. Eric Smith, the deputy commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke about Force Design 2030 initiatives Feb. 28, before heading to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for the 3rd Marine Regiment re-designation ceremony. to the 3rd Marine Coastal Regiment.
Smith is scheduled to speak at the March 3 ceremony, which will mark the designation of 3rd MLR as the premier littoral regiment in the Marine Corps.
“This capability is absolutely necessary to be able to compete, deter and defeat an adversary or competitor,” Smith said. “We’re equipping the formation and getting them organized so they can deploy tonight – and I mean tonight – to do what they have to do.”
The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David Berger, led the redesignation of the 3rd MLR in his Force Design 2030 initiative. The MLR structure is a key priority in the 38th Commander’s planning guidance.
The MLR is organized, trained, and equipped to support sea control and sea interdiction operations as part of a modernized force integrated with the U.S. Navy, other joint force elements, and forces allies and partners.
As the 3rd MLR becomes fully operational, the unit will specialize in modernized combat concepts to include: long-range fire; long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; Communication; and radar. The unit is designed to be highly mobile via surface ships and aircraft.
“We owe the combatant commander the ability now…to deter and alter the adversary’s course. We can’t wait for the opponent to reach their full potential, we have to change that trajectory now,” Smith said.
3rd MLR will continue to train and evolve to be ready to fight as part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. All lineage and honors of 3rd Marine Regiment will transfer to 3rd MLR, allowing the renowned unit to continue the proud tradition of one of the most legendary regiments in the Marine Corps.
To learn more about the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 initiatives, click here.
