The U.S. Marine Corps Concept for “Stand-In Forces”

China Maritime Studies Institute  |  Yue Zhiqiang, Wang Li, Li Jinqiao

The United States Marine Corps is deploying Stand-In Forces within the weapons engagement zone to counter regional maritime adversaries through persistent, highly lethal forward operations. These specialized expeditionary units conduct reconnaissance, establish long-range target custody, and execute rapid littoral strikes to disrupt and deceive enemy forces in contested coastal areas.

Published on 7-6-2026 by the China Maritime Studies Institute, this translation details Chinese military responses to these encroaching penetration tactics. Chinese analysts Yue Zhiqiang, Wang Li, and Li Jinqiao argue that countering this operational concept requires immediate, proactive countermeasures. They advocate for enhancing amphibious systems warfare advantages and accelerating the development of maritime unmanned combat capabilities. Additionally, the authors emphasize establishing robust cyber- and information-system networks to address core priorities and counter continuous penetration in near-seas operations. This strategic response highlights the escalating technological and doctrinal competition between American expeditionary forces and Chinese coastal defence systems.

Comment

The expansion of forward-deployed maritime strike concepts directly impacts the security dynamics of the wider Indo-Pacific region. New Delhi must closely monitor these littoral warfare developments in the near seas. Indian defence planners require similar agile reconnaissance capabilities to secure island territories in the Indian Ocean. These distributed operations will redefine maritime denial strategies against regional adversaries.

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