Marine Corps Commandant Faces Indictment Amid Biden-Era Leadership Changes

Walter Francis Fitzpatrick III, a retired U.S. Navy officer, has published a book critically examining the U.S. military justice system, arguing that it operates outside constitutional principles and lacks accountability. The United States Marine Corps is undergoing significant transformation through Force Design 2030, shifting from traditional amphibious warfare to a lighter, more distributed force that embraces emerging technologies like drones and hypersonic missiles, although this shift faces internal and external criticism. Meanwhile, General Eric Smith, the current Marine Corps commandant, faces strong opposition for continuing Force Design policies associated with logistical challenges and strategic disagreements, with calls for his removal amid broader military leadership changes. Additionally, a federal judge ruled that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a decision Trump has appealed, highlighting ongoing legal debates over military involvement in domestic affairs. These developments illustrate tensions within the U.S. military concerning justice, modernization, leadership, and the role of forces in civil society.