2027 may not turn out to be the anticipated year of conflict, but we are left with only a span of two years to get ready. Irrespective of this, any potential military conflict in the Indo-Pacific region during this decade will primarily rely on existing resources. Hence, the most crucial step currently is enlightening the individuals who will potentially be involved in combat.
The subsequent edition of On Contested Shores, focusing on the past and future of maritime missions, was released last year with enough time to wield an impact. Curated by Timothy Heck, Brett Friedman, and Walker Mills, this publication extends the objectives set by its forerunner: expanding understanding of maritime missions beyond renowned assaults such as Gallipoli or Normandy. The editors and contributors span various time periods and locations, delving into diverse forms of maritime initiatives and exploring often overlooked but crucial facets of each.
The arrangement of this edition surpasses its predecessor by organizing content around themes instead of timelines. This volume also enhances readability compared to the inaugural collection, which occasionally delved into the trap of historians writing solely for historians. This publication is crafted primarily for operational units and also keeps professional military students in mind. The thematic approach assists readers and empowers the most impactful chapters to resonate strongly. While some sections may contain verbose prose, the majority of the discourse is tailored towards educating marines, sailors, soldiers, and airmen.
Arguably, one of the central themes in this book underscores the critical importance of logistics. According to Walker Mills in his chapter, ‘logistics in the Pacific determine the realm of possibility’. Both his and Christopher Menking’s contributions stress that amidst the focus on weaponry and flag-raising in cinematic portrayals, wars are fundamentally logistical battles. The frequency with which the term ‘contested logistics’ is circulated nowadays hints at our increasing complacency and indolence. This perhaps elucidates why the US Marine Corps (USMC), accustomed to resourcefulness and functioning with limited means, is ahead in recognizing this challenge compared to other military branches.
Those who have wrestled with the complexities of military procurement processes will resonate with the sentiments echoed in Jerry Strahan’s chapter detailing the challenges of developing the Higgins landing boat and Douglas Nash’s narrative on the inception of the alligator tracked vehicles in conjunction with the landing ship tank. These chapters not only underscore the difficulties in translating conceptual visions into tangible platforms but also highlight the ingenuity and persistence with which inventors and leaders have historically confronted these hurdles.
The First Island Chain, constituting a series of reefs and forests stretching from Japan to Indonesia, presents formidable challenges. However, Lance Blyth’s chapter on arctic operations underscores that this chain extends far into the northern regions, where specialized training and equipment become pivotal for success. Similarly, Evan Ota’s contribution reminds us of the irreplaceable intelligence and support indigenous populations in the Indo-Pacific region offer. As China expands its influence in territories once designated as Western safe havens, it serves as a crucial reminder that ‘… the collaboration of local security forces on strategic terrains significantly benefitted the Allies during the initial uncertain stages of the [Pacific] conflict.’
Crucially, this publication rectifies an oversight of its precursor by incorporating chapters focusing on China. Xiaobing Li provides a focused account of how the Chinese military reclaimed some of Taiwan’s islets in the 20th century. Meanwhile, Edward Salo outlines the equipment and structure of the Chinese naval marines, accentuating parallels and disparities with the USMC. Yet, it is imperative to acknowledge that in a potential invasion of Taiwan, the Chinese army would shoulder the bulk of the operation.
Both volumes of On Contested Shores reference premature claims about the demise of large-scale maritime operations. Despite assertions by high-ranking officials and policymakers deeming such operations excessively costly, marines, armies, and naval infantry continue to be tasked with land engagements from sea. This is primarily because regardless of the historical bloodshed associated with maritime missions and the anticipated challenges, they remain an indispensable military requirement.
Pondering on one of my most amusing career memories from years ago, as a major, correcting a deputy commander at the Pacific Command at the time. He was expounding on the operational nature of the region when he made an error, ‘You have to remember, 70 percent of Asia is water.’
‘Actually, sir, Asia is entirely land,’ I interjected.
He did not appreciate the correction, yet the undeniable fact remains: aircraft must find landing zones, and ships require docking harbors. Inhabitants reside on land, and politicians will persist in leveraging their armed forces to safeguard or assert dominance over these territories. Hence, the recent publication edited by Heck, Friedman, and Mills serves as a valuable asset for anyone anticipating involvement in maritime missions.
About Author
