#236: Celebrating the Gazette’s 110th Anniversary

In episode 236 of MCA Scuttlebutt, the hosts Vic Rubel, Nancy Litchman, and William Truding celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Marine Corps Gazette’s continuous publication, highlighting its enduring role as a cornerstone of professional military discourse within the Marine Corps. The episode traces the Gazette’s origins back to 1916, when Colonel John A. Lejeune’s seminal article on mobile defense of advanced bases laid the foundation for what would become a vital forum for institutionalizing maneuver warfare and fostering intellectual debate. The hosts emphasize the Gazette’s unique ability to sustain deep, civil, and well-reasoned dialogue—unlike the fragmented nature of modern social media—while serving as a platform for both internal Marine Corps innovation and external influence, including shaping doctrine across the broader U.S. military. Personal reflections from William Truding, who wrote a fictional 13-chapter series imagining a Marine Expeditionary Unit landing in Iran, underscore the Gazette’s role in encouraging 'useful fiction' and forward-looking strategic thinking. The episode also turns to the upcoming Modern-Day Marines event in Washington, D.C., from April 28–30, 2026, which will feature seven adjacent symposia, key leader engagements, and a dynamic showroom floor. The hosts praise the event’s evolution into a true nexus of learning, innovation, and networking for Marines, civilians, and defense industry partners alike. They encourage listeners to register—free for active duty and military spouses—and visit the Scuttlebutt podcast booth. The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to the Gazette’s legacy, its editorial independence, and its continued relevance in an era of rapid technological change and shifting military missions.