There is no doubt that the Marines are not a peer competitor with the Army, but they do bring certain capabilities to the table (based on the MAGTF structure) that the Army would be hard-pressed to duplicate. This is especially true with the air component (the Air Force could be counted on to resist any attempt to expand or create Army fixed-wing assets). It may also be difficult to persuade the Navy to part with Gator assets, or convince State to fund them.

Nichols brings up some good points regarding public perception of such a force, as well as the interface difficulties that might occur from such an arrangement. There are also the cultural differences that exist between the two components. State, for example, may not fully comprehend the capabilities and limitations of Marines, and the USMC may have the same issues with State. Personally, I think it would create an unacceptable level of "blurring" between clear objectives and what might simply be a particular Ambassador's pet project or design that may not be totally understood or approved by Washington.