US Marine Corps to be phased out??

**FSV** · 27 May 06,, 10:08

Originally Posted by M21Sniper

I didn't know Key West had anything to do with the marines at all. That's the same law that majoritively prohibits the US Army from operating fixed wing aircraft.

The Key West Agreement sets forth the mission of each of the services. Amongst the many things it covers is that the Marine Corps (active duty) shall consist of 3 Divisions & 3 Air Wings. Actual personnal strength is controlled by Congress.

M21Sniper ... You're right about the operating "Armed" fixed wing aircaft. At the time, the Air Force (then the Air Corps) didn't think much of Choppers, so they weren't covered in the agreement. In fact it was this agreement that move the Air Corps out from under Army control & designated it as a seperate service, to be called the Air Force.

Read up on how the agreement was conducted/reached.... You'll laugh your ass off. Basically the agreement was written by a brigade of lawers, for a bunch of 7-to-13 year olds, setting forth who could touch what toys, where they could go & what they could do when they got there. They even had sub-meetings & signed agreements on the definitions of words!!!

R/S Jake
"War to the knife...Knife to the hilt"

**BenRoethig** · 27 May 06,, 19:06

In the grand scheme of things, the Marines don't really do much that couldn't be covered by Naval aviation or the Army. In fact, I think the Army would be wise to adopt Marine practices when it comes to Snipers and basic infantry training for all soldiers. There really aren't non-combat positions anymore. However, the Corps has a tradition unmatched by any other service.

**ChrisF202** · 28 May 06,, 22:22

Phase out, HELL NO!!!

Downsize, yes. Elite units are supposed to be small but powerful units ... not almost half the size (if not more) as the regular Army.