A distributed amphibious model could use an LHD or LSD as a hub while smaller vessels place self-contained units around a region. Those units can respond quickly and complicate an opponent's planning, although revealing a lone company of marines also exposes its limited strength. Deterrence works here at two useful scales: a very small tripwire backed by national power, or an overwhelming force. The uncertain middle ground creates risk. For Britain, the promised response might require a carrier group, an amphibious group, reserves, and enough lift for roughly brigade-scale capability. Dispersed presence depends on mobilization capacity and political willingness to use it.
Notable Point · 36:27-40:44
Distributed amphibious forces and the scale of deterrence
Small distributed landing units raise an opponent's costs, but their deterrent effect ultimately depends on a credible heavier force able and willing to follow.