US forces must relearn old skills and practices in case an adversary denies them access to the services’ advanced-technology capabilities, the top Marine Corps officer said Tuesday. With the growing threat of being forced to operate in an information-denied environment, the Marine Corps is adjusting its training to make its forces relearn how to use paper maps, basic voice radios, and camouflage, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said at a Center for Strategic and International Studies event. “We’ve developed a system of warfighting that‘s very dependent upon the internet, and the network in space,” he said. Looking at potential adversaries, “do we think that’s going to be there, that network is going to be there?” he said. “I don’t think you can assume that.” Neller said there has to be a balance. “We have to leverage the technology we have for its operational advantage,” but adjust training “to be prepared to fight if it’s not there,” he said. (See also: Never Assume Space is Safe, Hyten Cautions.)
U.S. munitions have been expended at a high rate during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting concerns that the Pentagon is eating into weapons stockpiles it needs to deter threats around the world. Yet the newly released $1.5 trillion defense budget request was developed before the war against Iran and…