U.S. Marines earned a peerless reputation for amphibious assaults across World War II’s Pacific theater, but with&nbsp;<a href="/topics/china/">China</a> now asserting itself across the Indo-Pacific, the combat boot is on the other foot.

Marines stationed in the region are taking on far more preventive and defensive duties than in the past.

As commanders envision in a hypothetical clash with <a href="/topics/china/">China</a>, the littoral Marines could move quietly onto an island along the Pacific archipelago, scout out enemy forces and reveal their positions to nearby U.S. aircraft, ships or submarines.

A comprehensive version of this article by Andrew Salmon may be found <a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/nov/16/new-marching-orders-marines-on-okinawa-shift-from-/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>

• Washington Times Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.

U.S. Marines earned a peerless reputation for amphibious assaults across World War II’s Pacific theater, but with China now asserting itself across the Indo-Pacific, the combat boot is on the other foot.{ai:summary}U.S. Marines in the Pacific are now focused on preventive and defensive duties due to China's assertiveness. The 12th Marine Regiment in Okinawa has been transformed into a coastal artillery unit, capable of forward-deploying stealth infantry and anti-shipping missile bases. They could provide intelligence on enemy positions to U.S. aircraft, ships, or submarines in a potential clash with China. #military