On September 18, the Atlantic Council held a public address and conversation with Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos.
Barry Pavel, director of the Council’s Program on International Security, moderated the discussion. Coming out of over ten years of sustained combat and counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States Marine Corps as an institution is reorienting back to its roots as an amphibious expeditionary force capable of responding to emerging threats and challenges on short notice. At the same time, the United States is increasingly looking towards the Asia-Pacific as the key security arena in the twenty-first century.

Just last month, General Amos visited several countries in the Asia-Pacific including the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. He discussed the strategic role of the Marine Corps under the new defense strategic guidance, with an emphasis on the Marines’ growing partnerships and engagements in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

General Amos became the thirty-fifth commandant of the Marine Corps in October 2010.  His long career in the Marine Corps began in 1971 as a naval aviator. He has commanded at every level from lieutenant colonel to lieutenant general to include commanding 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in combat during Operations Iraqi Freedom I and II, and II Marine Expeditionary Force from 2004 to 2006. He was also assigned to NATO as deputy commander, Naval Striking Forces, Southern Europe and as chief of staff, US Joint Task Force Noble Anvil during the air campaign over Serbia. From 2008 to 2010 General Amos served as the thirty-first assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

The Commanders Series is generously supported by Saab North America.