US Marine Corps Overview USMC Organization USMC Missions

US Marine Corps

Overview • • • USMC Organization USMC Missions USMC Doctrine Operating Forces of the USMC Future Trends

Organization • Commandant of the Marine Corps – Separate military service • Serves under the Dept of Navy – Reports to Secretary of the Navy – No Secretary of the Marine Corps – Responsible for operational readiness for the entire corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps • Three Fundamental Groupings – HQ USMC “executive branch” of Dept of Navy • Professional assistance to Sec of Navy • Coordinates actions of USMC organizations • Assist in communication between Sec. Def & combatant commanders in time of war • Operating forces (field units) • Supporting establishment

Missions • Organize, train, & equip Fleet Marine Forces • Furnish security detachments & organizations – For service on naval vessels – For protection of naval property at naval stations & bases • Perform duties directed by the President • Amphibious operations

Doctrine • Maneuver – Shatter enemy’s cohesion – Attack from position of advantage (not straight on) – Exploitation of time and space • Combined Arms – If enemy counter-acts one attack, he must be vulnerable to another

Operating Forces • The heart of the Marine Corps – Fleet Marine Forces – Marine Security Guard Battalion – Marine Corps Security Forces • Installations • Ships

Fleet Marine Forces • Two Fleets – Atlantic Fleet – Pacific Fleet • Expeditionary in nature – Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)

MAGTF • Provides forces of combined arms for service with the fleet • Operate forward from the sea • NOT an echelon of command – Organizational structure similar to an “expeditionary air wing” • Four elements – Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Aviation Element, and Combat Service Support Element

Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) • Principle war-fighting organization in USMC – Commanded by Lt Gen – Deploys with 60 -day supply of materials • Only 3 MEFs in entire Marine Corps

Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) • Commanded by O-7 – Deploys with 30 -day supply • Forward deployed aboard “Amphibious Ready Group” • Immediate responsive -based MAGTF – Meet forward presence & limited power projection requirements sea

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) • Commanded by O-6 – Deploys with 15 -day supply • Forward deployed aboard “Amphibious Ready Group” • Immediate responsive sea-based MAGTF – Meet forward presence & limited power projection requirements

Special Purpose MAGTF • Organized to accomplish specific missions that are inappropriate for MEF, MEB or MEU • Draws combat forces from – Marine Divisions – Marine Air Wings – Force Service Support Groups

Marine Division • Basic ground component of Marine Corps • Execute amphibious assault operations • Marine Divisions – HQ battalion – 3 infantry units – Artillery regiment – Separate tank, recce, engineer, & amphibious assault battalions – Light armored infantry battalion

Marine Aircraft Wings • Consists of – Two or more tactical squadrons – Logistics squadron – Air base squadrons • Two primary missions – Supporting air component of fleet marine forces – Conduct land ops essential to prosecution of naval campaign

Force Service Support Groups • Composite grouping of functional components that provide combat support service to the MAGTF

Future Trends • USMC is changing dramatically (end of Cold War) – PAST: Massive frontal assault – TODAY: “over the horizon” attack at night— anytime, anywhere • Enhanced ops capabilities & tactical weapons systems – Function better in joint environment

Summary • • • USMC Organization USMC Missions USMC Doctrine Operating Forces of the USMC Future Trends