The Ground Combat Element needed an advocate...We thought it was the Commandant...We were wrong.

It was always assumed that the Commandant was the "built in" advocate for the Ground Combat Element (GCE). We were wrong. Like aviation, we needed an advocate. Unfortunately that realization came too late. Now the GCE is adrift, confused, paralyzed by internal debate and despite all the Generals, Colonels and Sgt Majors running around, no one has the necessary courage to speak up.

The sad reality?

Much to my dismay, the Ground Combat Element of the US Marine Corps is fading away.