Part III: Frontiers Past and Future

Ian Easton
John Gastright & Mike Mazza
Jennifer Hong Whetsell

The Island Hop That Wasn’t: America’s Abortive Plan to Invade Taiwan

Ian Easton

In February 1945, U.S. Marines made history when they raised the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Declassified documents reveal that a similar scene could have unfolded in Taiwan, most likely on Shou-shan, a site American war planners referred to as “Ape Hill.” The Marines on Mount Suribachi were originally assigned to Operation Causeway, the U.S. plan to invade and occupy Taiwan. D-Day was set for February 15, 1945. But after years of preparation, that operation was abruptly canceled, and American amphibious forces instead stormed Iwo Jima and Okinawa, islands that were judged to be far more vulnerable—and thus less costly to obtain.

Tyranny of Distance: American Logistics Then and Now

John A. Gastright Jr. and Michael Mazza

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has chosen to exploit the free and open rules-based order to reshape the international system in its favor. According to the 2022 U.S. National Security Strategy, China “is the only competitor with both the intent to shape the international order and increasingly the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to do it.” Numerous government documents echo that analysis. To respond to Beijing’s challenge, the United States has adopted a competitive approach. As the United States works with allies and partners to maintain a free, open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific, it must be prepared to respond to contingencies with speed, consistency, and methodical precision. To do so requires a robust and well-understood military logistics apparatus with similarly strong logistics processes.

From War to the Stars: World War II’s Spacefaring Legacy

Jennifer Hong Whetsell

When we look up into the dark night sky, we see constellations and the Milky Way, planets near and far, and now, newcomers: satellites. These satellites circle the Earth, providing essential communication links, revealing weather patterns, and monitoring the wear and tear on land from wildfires and farming. They watch over friends and foes, revealing vulnerabilities and bolstering security. Alongside these satellites, we have astronauts, space stations, and rovers exploring a frontier that was once only visible from afar.