Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith cautions against relocating marines from Okinawa to Guam.

Smith voiced his reservations, saying, “Frankly, Guam puts us going the wrong way.”

Since 2012, when the U.S.-Japan agreement was formed to reduce the U.S. marine presence in Okinawa, Guam has hesitantly anticipated the arrival of 4,000 marines.

Even more so recently with the completion of Base Camp Blaz.

“Guam puts us on the other side of the International Date Line, but it puts us a long way from the crisis theater, from the priority theater,” said Smith.

Smith also acknowledged the move's logistical challenges, noting the army’s plans to deploy forces to Guam, which would limit available space for marines.

Apra Harbor, a key naval facility, is also undergoing a $106.9 million upgrade to support operations.

However, the third marine expeditionary force in Okinawa reaffirms their commitment, stating, “The United States Marine Corps maintains a steadfast commitment to honoring U.S. treaty obligations in the defense of Japan while meeting operational requirements across the greater Indo-Pacific region. We strive to do so by balancing our posture while adhering to the DPRI agreement and program of record.”

Base Camp Blaz also highlighted their strategic importance.

“Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz provides the Marine Corps with a geographically distributed posture outside of Japan. Our installation and ranges will provide the Marine Corps, our allies/partners, and the joint force the ability to train side-by-side, increasing interoperability to enhance our ability to respond to crises across the region – whether those be contingency or humanitarian assistance, disaster relief,” they said.

The relocation to Guam fulfills a treaty obligation with Japan, but highlights a larger debate: How to maintain a credible U.S. military presence near potential flashpoints like Taiwan.

With the first marines already arriving, the U.S. faces the challenge of balancing treaty commitments with evolving security priorities in a rapidly changing region.