I support Ken's frequent assertion that "strategic raids" are a valuable tool. This is also a tool that we neglect in our planning, preparation and implementation. In many ways, the USMC is the ultimate strategic raiding force, but we don't really highlight that fact.

Armies are great for fighting wars, but not so much for conducting strategic raids. Various SOF forces are good for small raids designed for strategic effect, but for the larger ones the USMC is a force without peer. (Yes, air delivered munitions have their place, but to become over reliant on such impersonal devices is a bad business. Sometimes you have to look a guy in the eye to deliver the appropriate message)

One can deter a lot of silliness and avoid a lot of long, drawn out frustrating "intervention" through the possession of the ability to employ a powerful, effective strategic raid when necessary.