United States Marine Corps 1 1 1 1

Overview USMC Organization USMC Missions USMC Doctrine Operating Forces of the USMC Future Trends 2 2 2 2

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 3 3 3 3

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 SecDef & combatant commanders in time of war Operating forces (field units) Supporting establishment 4 4 4 4

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 5 5 5 5

Doctrine Maneuver Combined Arms 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 6 6 6 6

Operating Forces The heart of the Marine Corps Fleet Marine Forces Marine Security Guard Battalion Marine Corps Security Forces Installations Ships 7 7 7 7

Fleet Marine Forces Two Fleets Expeditionary in nature Atlantic Fleet Pacific Fleet Expeditionary in nature Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 8 8 8 8

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 9 9 9 9

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 10 10 10 10

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

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 11 11 11 11

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 12 12 12 12

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 13 13 13 13

Marine Aircraft Wings Consists of Two primary missions 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 14 14 14 14

Force Service Support Groups Composite grouping of functional components that provide combat support service to the MAGTF 15 15 15 15

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 16 16 16 16

Summary USMC Organization USMC Missions USMC Doctrine Operating Forces of the USMC Future Trends 2 2 2 2