The critical flaw. The real show stopper in the "Stand In Force"/EABO concept.

Rep. Gallagher: "If we're going to talk about integrated deterrence, what we should integrate is the State Department moving heaven and earth to negotiate basing agreements with key allies so we can deploy teams of marines and soldiers in order to deny a PLA invasion of Taiwan." pic.twitter.com/5QDyAA1UqL

— Rep. Gallagher Press Office (@RepGallagher) May 12, 2022

America's biggest weakness when it comes to foreign policy?

We lead with our military.

Everything is couched in "deterrence" and security.  Our state dept is basically useless.  When was the last time you saw our state dept take the lead on a truly hard issue?  When did you see them pave the way for new trade, new relations, or new economic agreements?

If you can name one in the recent age then I'll be personally amazed.

Our "competitor" isn't offering troops (they make access to the new areas a part of it but its not the MAIN THING) they're offering funding, access to markets, improved relations and economic development.

How does America compete with China when all we can offer is basically warfare when China comes bearing gifts (with strings attached but gifts nonetheless)?

We're not being pushed out of the first and second island chains due to China's military power.  We're being pushed out due to their economic power.

Bonus!

You know when this went on steroids?  With Bush Jr.  The Pentagon (at the behest of the White House) pushed the Soldier/Diplomat theme and its remained ever since. 

Bonus 1!

Stand In Force, EABO, MultiDomain Ops won't work because of our diplomatic failure.  I give it less than 5 years and the Marine Corps will have to lurch back into an assault force.  But how do you rebuild the force in the midst of economic catastrophe?