The U.S. Army prepares for a protracted war in the Western Pacific, and the second island chain becomes a supply depth

The U.S. Army is strengthening its operational preparations for a long-term, high-intensity war in the Western Pacific. In addition to using land-based long-range missiles to strike targets on land and at sea, it is also planning to disperse its troops, preposition ammunition, and establish rear supply bases to reduce the risk of obstruction of reinforcements and supplies during wartime.

Military website Military Watch Magazine reported on the 18th that the U.S. Army’s latest operational guidance, “How the Army Fights,” pointed out that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has “anti-access/area denial” (A2/AD) capabilities, which may interfere with the U.S. military’s deployment of forces from the United States to the Western Pacific. The U.S. Army therefore focuses on prepositioning troops, equipment and supplies before conflict breaks out, so that frontline troops can enter combat more quickly.

The report pointed out that the U.S. Army plans to use long-range precision firepower on the first island chain to attack opponents’ launch positions and maritime targets. Related weapons include the Mid-Range Capability system, which can launch Standard Six (SM-6) missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles from land-based launchers.

However, long-range strike capability depends on more than just missile range. The report pointed out that a protracted war also requires sufficient ammunition stocks, reliable target information, and launch sites that can survive enemy attacks. The U.S. Army also plans to strengthen air defense and anti-drone capabilities, strengthen military facilities, and disperse troops and equipment to reduce the risk of concentrated attacks.

Beyond missile range, supply is the test of protracted war

Logistics are another focus. The U.S. Army plans to disperse supply locations, prepare alternative transportation routes, and use autonomous systems to deliver ammunition and other necessary supplies. Frontier manufacturing capabilities have also been incorporated into combat preparations, hoping to repair equipment and produce key parts in areas close to the battlefield to reduce reliance on fragile supply lines.

Further back on the second island chain, the U.S. Army plans to establish reinforced fuel and ammunition positions to support troops deployed forward. The report quoted the U.S. Army Pacific Command's briefing at the 2026 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting as stating that the U.S. military has established logistics and warehousing facilities in Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Guam to disperse supplies and reduce reliance on a few large bases.