Chapter 11

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS

Section I. Mission / Organization

11-1. ORGANIZATION

    a. Administrative organization.

11admin.gif (5986 bytes)

    b. Operational organization.

11oper.gif (5399 bytes)

11-1C.gif (26866 bytes)

MARFORLANT

11-1D.gif (30166 bytes)

* Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Korea (Designate); Commander U.S. Marines Central Command (Designate); Commander Combined Marine Forces Command (Designate)

MARFORPAC

11-1E.gif (29514 bytes)

Marine Corps Reserve

11-2.  Marine Air-Ground Task Force, (MAGTF)

    a. Philosophy: Marine Corps Operating Forces are organized for warfighting and then adapted for peacetime rather than vice versa. Tables of organization reflect the two central requirements of deployability and the ability to task-organize according to specific situations. Units are organized according to type only to the extent dictated by training, administrative, and logistic requirements

    b. Description.  The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) is the Marine Corps’ principle organization for the conduct of all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are balanced combined-arms forces with organic ground, aviation, and sustainment elements. They are flexible, task-organized forces that can respond rapidly to a contingency anywhere in the world and are able to conduct a variety of missions. Although organized and equipped to participate as part of naval expeditionary forces, MAGTFs can also conduct sustained operations ashore. The MAGTF provides a combatant commander or other operational commander with a versatile expeditionary force capable of responding to a broad range of crisis and conflict situations. MAGTFs are organized, trained, and equipped to perform missions ranging from humanitarian assistance to peacekeeping to intense combat and can operate in permissive, uncertain, and hostile environments. They may be shore- or sea-based in support of joint and multinational major operations and/or campaigns. MAGTFs deploy as amphibious, air-contingency, or maritime pre-positioning forces (MPFs), either as part of a naval expeditionary force or by strategic lift. They can present a minimal or a highly visible presence and are able to project combat power ashore in measured degrees or can provide secure staging areas ashore for follow-on forces. MAGTFs are prepared for immediate deployment overseas into austere operating environments, bringing all means necessary to accomplish the missions. When deployed aboard amphibious shipping, MAGTFs maintain a continuous presence at strategic locations around the globe and can be rapidly moved to and indefinitely stationed at the scene of potential trouble. The MAGTF provides the JFC with the capability of reconstitution, which is the ability of an expeditionary force to regenerate, reorganize, replenish, and reorient itself for a new mission without having to return to its home base.

    c.  Operations. MAGTF operations are built on a foundation of six special core competencies: expeditionary readiness, combined-arms operations, expeditionary operations, sea-based operations, forcible entry from the sea, and Reserve integration.

    To carry out their mission, MARFOR must be:

(1)  Organized, trained, and equipped for combat essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign to seize objectives against the best and most modern equipped enemy.

(2)  A balanced force of combined arms and services.

(3)  Primarily trained, organized, and equipped for offensive employment.

(4)  Adaptable to the active defense of advanced naval bases.

(5)  Trained, equipped, and ready for prompt and effective employment in any climate or terrain.

(6)  Trained and equipped for airborne operations as required, in accordance with policies and doctrines of the JCS.

(7)  Provided with sufficient organic CSS capability to establish and sustain combat power in the execution of normal missions and capable of supporting:

(8)  Provided with organic aviation units primarily organized, trained, and equipped to operate in conjunction with ground units in amphibious operations and capable of performing

    d. Elements.  Although MAGTFs are task organized, each MAGTF, regardless of its size or mission, has the same basic structure. Each MAGTF has four core elements: a command element (CE), a ground combat element (GCE), an aviation combat element (ACE), and a combat service support element (CSSE).

        (1)   The CE is the MAGTF headquarters. It is task organized to provide command and control capabilities (including intelligence and communications) necessary for effective planning, direction, and execution of all operations.

        (2)   The GCE is task organized to conduct ground operations in support of the MAGTF mission. It is normally formed around an infantry organization reinforced with requisite artillery, reconnaissance, armor, and engineer forces and can vary in size and composition from a rifle platoon to one or more Marine Divisions.

        (3)   The ACE is task-organized to support the MAGTF mission by performing some or all of the six functions of Marine aviation. The ACE is normally built around an aviation organization that is augmented with appropriate air command and control, combat, combat support, and CSS units. The ACE can operate effectively from ships, expeditionary air-fields, or austere forward operating sites and can readily and routinely transition between sea bases and expeditionary air-fields without loss of capability. The ACE can vary in size and composition from an aviation detachment with specific capabilities to one or more Marine Aircraft Wings (MAW).

        (4)   The CSSE is task organized to provide the full range of CSS functions and capabilities needed to support the continued readiness and sustainability of the MAGTF as a whole. It is formed around a CSS headquarters and may vary in size and composition from a support detachment to one or more Marine Force Service Support Groups (FSSGS).

11-3.  Types of MAGTFs

    Regardless of size, all MAGTFs are "expeditionary" forces. An expeditionary force is a capability, rather than a structure. Thus, any size MAGTF could be referred to as a Marine "expeditionary" force. However, to provide a frame of reference for general sizing, MAGTFs are categorized in the following types:

    a. Marine Expeditionary Force, (MEF).  The MEF is the principal Marine Corps Warfighting organization. It is capable of missions across the range of military operations, through amphibious assault and sustained operations ashore in any environment. With appropriate augmentation, the MEF CE is capable of performing as a JTF.

        (1)  Organization.  There are three standing MEF’s: I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), based in southern California and Arizona; II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), based in North and South Carolina; and III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), based in Japan and Hawaii. Each standing MEF consists of a permanent CE and one Marine division, MAW, and FSSG. These major commands constitute the primary reservoir of combat capabilities from which MAGTFs are sourced.

11-2A.gif (40341 bytes)

Example of a MEF

        (2)  Concept of Employment.  The size and composition of a deployed MEF can vary greatly depending on the requirements of the mission. It can deploy with not only its own units but also units from the other standing MEF’s, the Marine Corps Reserve, or the other Services and the Special Operations Command. A MEF typically deploys by echelon with 60 days of sustainment. The lead echelon of the MEF, tailored to meet the specific mission, is designated the MEF (forward) (MEF(FWD)) and may be commanded by the MEF commander personally or by a designated commander. The MEF(FWD) prepares for the subsequent arrival of the rest of the MEF or other joint or combined forces. However, the deployment of the MEF(FWD) does not necessarily mean that all the forces of the standing MEF will follow. This would occur only if the entire MEF were required.  MEF’s may conduct sustained operations ashore upon completion of an amphibious operation or by deploying from the sea, land, or air and linking up with maritime prepostioning ships carrying equipment and supplies. For additional information concerning MPF operations refer to Marine Corps warfighting publication (MCWP) 3-22, Maritime Prepositioning Force Operations(draft).

    b.  Marine Expeditionary Unit  (special operations capable), MEU (SOC).   The Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable)(MEU(SOC)) is the standard forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary organization. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic and Pacific maintain forward-deployed MEU’s(SOC) in the Mediterranean Sea, the western Pacific, and the Indian Ocean or Arabian Gulf region. The MEU(SOC) can be thought of both as a self-contained operating force capable of missions of limited scope and duration and as a forward-deployed extension of the Marine expeditionary force.

    MEU’s routinely receive special training before deploying.  The trainng results in their being designated as "special operations capable." To receive the certification, the MEU undergoes an intensive 26-week, standardized predeployment training program that includes an exercise and a final evaluation. The MEU must demonstrate competence across the entire spectrum of required capabilities, be able to plan and execute any assigned mission within six hours of notification, and conduct multiple missions simultaneously. These MEU’s are augmented with selected personnel and equipment to provide enhanced conventional and selected maritime special operations capabilities.

               ( 1)  Organization.  There are seven standing MEU(SOC) Command elements.

                I MEF
                     11th MEU(SOC)
                     13th MEU(SOC)
                     15th MEU(SOC)

                II MEF
                     22nd MEU(SOC)
                     24th MEU(SOC)
                     26th MEU’s(SOC)

                III MEF
                      MEU(SOC)

 Although each MEU(SOC) is task organized, a typical MEU(SOC) includes:

11-2B.gif (51289 bytes)

Example of a MEU (SOC)

        (2)  Concept of Employment.  Embarked aboard a Navy amphibious ready group (ARG), a deployed MEU(SOC) provides a combatant commander or other operational commander with a quick, sea-based reaction force for a wide variety of situations. In many cases, the MEU(SOC) embarked on amphibious shipping may be the first U.S. force at the scene of a crisis and can conduct enabling actions for larger follow-on  forces. It can provide a visible and credible presence in many potential trouble spots and can demonstrate the United States’ willingness to protect its interests overseas.  The MEU(SOC) is organized, trained, and equipped as a self- sustaining, general-purpose expeditionary MAGTF that possesses the capability to conduct operations across the spectrum of conflict, from military operations other than war, to amphibious and other conventional operations in support of various contingency requirements, including selected maritime special operations such as:

        (3)   Capabilities. The inherent capabilities of a forward-deployed MEU(SOC) are divided into four broad categories: Amphibious Operations, Direct Action Operations, Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and Supporting Operations.

                (a)  Amphibious Operations. Conducted on short notice, at night under EMCON conditions via helicopter and/or surface means from extended ranges. Particular emphasis is placed on the amphibious raid, conducted in order to inflict loss or damage upon opposing forces, create diversions, and capture or evacuate individuals and material by swift incursion into an objective followed by a planned withdrawal.

                (b)  Direct Action Operations. The capability to conduct short duration strikes and small-scale offensive action by employing precision raids, ambushes, and direct assault using close quarters battle skills; emplacement of munitions and other devices; conduct standoff attacks by fire from air, ground, or maritime platforms; or providing terminal guidance for precision-guided munitions. Included in direct action are:

                (c) Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). The capability to conduct operations which focus on deterring war, resolving conflict, promoting peace, and supporting civil authorities in response to domestic crises. ARG/MEU(SOC) support to MOOTW includes:

- Peacekeeping. The capability to conduct military operations undertaken with the consent of all major parties to a dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement (cease fire, truce, or other such agreement) and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement.

- Peace Enforcement. The capability to apply military force, or threat of its use, normally pursuant to international authorization, to compel compliance with resolutions or sanctions designed to maintain or restore peace and order. This capability includes intervention operations as well as operations to restore order, forcibly separate belligerents, and establish and supervise exclusion zones for the purpose of establishing an environment for truce or cease fire.

                (d)  Supporting Operations. Capabilities which support the full spectrum of MEU(SOC) operations.

        c. Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task force, (SPMAGTF).  A special-purpose MAGTF (SPMAGTF) is a non-standing MAGTF temporarily formed to conduct a specific mission. It is normally formed when a standing MAGTF is either inappropriate or unavailable. SPMAGTF’s are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct a wide variety of missions ranging from crisis response, to regionally focused training exercises, to peacetime missions. Their SPMAGTF designation derives from the mission they are assigned, the location in which they will operate, or the name of the exercise in which they will participate (e.g., "SPMAGTF (X),"SPMAGTF Somalia," "SPMAGTF UNITAS," "SPMAGTF Andrew," etc.)

            (1)  Organization.   A SPMAGTF may be any size, but normally it is the size of a MEU (or smaller) with narrowly focused capabilities chosen to accomplish a particular mission. It may be task organized deliberately from the assets of a standing MEF, or may be formed on a contingency basis from an already-deployed MAGTF to perform an independent, rapid-response mission of limited scope and duration. By definition, SPMAGTFs include all four of the basic elements of a MAGTF.

            (2)  Concept of Employment.  SPMAGTFs are generally employed in the same manner as a MEU.  However, under certain circumstances they may be deployed via commercial shipping or aircraft, strategic airlift, or organic Marine aviation.

11-4. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

    Amphibious in nature, a combined arms team and a national swing force, the United States Marine Corps is capable of conducting worldwide stability operations, limited objective (forced entry) operations, amphibious operations, and sustained operations ashore. USMC doctrine is based on maneuver warfare. Maneuver seeks to shatter enemy cohesion through a series of rapid, violent, and unexpected actions. Operational mobility, surprise, speed, and flexibility allow the Corps to pit its strengths against enemy weaknesses.

    a. Amphibious operations: an attack launched from the sea by naval and landing forces, embarked in ships or craft, involving a landing on a hostile shore. As an entity, the amphibious operation includes the following phases (mnemonic PERMA):

    b. Amphibious task force or group: the task organization formed for the purpose of conducting an amphibious operation. The amphibious task force/group always includes Navy forces and a landing force, with their organic aviation, and may include Army and Air Force forces when appropriate.

    c. Amphibious objective area (AOA): a geographical area, delineated in the initiating directive, for purposes of C2 within which is located the objective(s) to be secured by the amphibious TF. This area must be of sufficient size to ensure accomplishment of the amphibious TF mission and must provide sufficient area for conducting necessary sea, air, and land operations.

    d. Landing area: 1. The part of the objective area within which are conducted the landing operations of an amphibious force. It includes the beach, the approaches to the beach, the transport areas, the FS areas, the air occupied by close supporting aircraft, and the land included in the advance inland to the initial objective. 2. (airborne) The general area used for landing troops and material either by airdrop or air landing. This area includes one or more drop zones or landing strips. 3. Any specially prepared or selected surface of land, water, or deck designated or used for takeoff and landing of aircraft.

    e. H-hour: 1. The specific hour on D-day at which a particular operation commences. The operation may be the commencement of hostilities; the hour at which an OPLAN is executed or to be executed; or the hour that the operation phase is implemented, either by land assault, parachute assault, amphibious assault, or air or naval bombardment. The highest command or HQ coordinating the planning will specify the exact meaning of H-hour within the aforementioned definition. Normally, the letter "H" will be the only one used to denote the above. However, when several operations or phases of an operation are being conducted in the same area on D-day and confusion may arise through the use of the same hour designation for two or more of them, any letter of the alphabet may be used except A, C, D, E, J, K or others that may be reserved for exclusive use. 2. The specific hour on D-day at which the first waterborne wave lands.

    f. Commander, amphibious task force (CATF). The CATF has overall command and responsibility for the amphibious operation from the planning phase, where he shares responsibility with the commander, landing force (CLF), through the assault phase until the amphibious forces are established ashore. He exercises tactical control over all amphibious shipping, escorting combatants, and embarked landing forces. After reaching the AOA, he exercises TACON of all ships and aircraft within the AOA. The CATF transfers control of the assault forces to the CLF when the latter has established himself ashore.

    g. Commander, landing force (CLF). The CLF has command of all the assault forces assigned to the amphibious operation. He shares planning responsibility with the CATF, but relinquishes TACON until he has established his HQ ashore and can assume command of the assault operation.

    h. Tactical air command center (TACC): the principal US Marine Corps air operation installation from which aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are directed. It is the senior agency of the Marine Corps Air Command and Control System from which the Marine Corps tactical air commander can direct and control tactical air operations and coordinate such air operations with other services. (See Air Force section, discussion of air operations control (AOC).)