Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:15:11-1:17:14

A US Falklands War with a Grenada-sized force

Initial doubts about a Grenada-sized force give way to a much stronger assessment once its carrier and Marine component are recognized.

Alternate HistoryAmphibious WarfareCarrier GroupsFalklands WarUS Navy
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Question

Could the United States defeat Argentina in a Falklands-style war using only a Grenada-sized invasion force?

Short answer

The final assessment expects a decisive US victory once the stipulated force is understood to include a supercarrier group and substantial Marine forces with aviation support.

Notes

The first assessment predicts a US victory under the Grenada-force restriction, but a closer contest than with a purpose-built expedition. Additional carrier forces and strategic bombers are suggested as available reinforcements. Another participant then challenges the initial assessment by pointing to a full supercarrier group and a substantial Marine force with amphibious aviation already assumed in the scenario. On that reading, the stipulated force is itself sufficient for a decisive victory. It could also threaten Argentine mainland bases and fleet units. The disagreement turns on the force being assumed, so the conclusion changes when that assumption is clarified.