What does Distributed Operations entail for the Marine Corps?

• A. Forward-deploying only by air
• B. Operating from dispersed nodes and bases to complicate enemy targeting and maintain combat power
• C. Concentrating forces in a few large bases
• D. Conducting only cyber operations

Answer: (B)

Distributed Operations means spreading forces across multiple dispersed nodes and bases rather than massing them in a single location. This approach makes it harder for an enemy to strike the whole force at once, because fires and sensors can’t easily find and neutralize a concentrated position. It also preserves combat power through redundancy and flexibility—if one node is hit, others can sustain operations and shift as needed. For the Marine Corps, this concept supports operating from dispersed expeditionary bases and forward positions, connected by robust command and control, to enable rapid maneuver, sustainment, and presence across a broad area of operations. It’s about distribution and resilience, not just air-forward deployment, not concentrating forces in a few large bases, and not focusing solely on cyber operations.