What is the USMC warfighting philosophy focused on?

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) warfighting philosophy is fundamentally focused on Maneuver Warfare. This approach emphasizes speed, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield. The essence of Maneuver Warfare lies in outpacing and outmaneuvering the enemy, often by taking advantage of rapid assaults and flanking movements rather than relying solely on a head-to-head confrontation.

Maneuver Warfare prioritizes the initiative and decentralized decision-making, allowing small unit leaders the authority to engage in combat based on the situation they perceive. This philosophy is designed to generate chaos among the enemy forces, disrupt their decision-making process, and exploit their vulnerabilities. It complements the USMC's structure and organization, which is agile and capable of rapid deployment and response.

The other choices represent elements of military strategy but do not encapsulate the overarching philosophy of the USMC. Combined operations focus on joint efforts with different branches of the military, while air and naval power pertains to specific capabilities rather than a comprehensive philosophy. Heavy armor engagement emphasizes a particular type of warfare that does not align with the agile and dynamic principles that define the USMC's approach.