Themes and Types of Amphibious Operations Amphibious Warfare Naval Science 312

What is an Amphibious Operation? “An amphibious operation is a military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious force, embarked in ships or craft with the primary purpose of introducing a landing force (LF) ashore to accomplish the assigned mission.” - Joint Publication 3-02

Strengths and Capabilities of Amphibious Warfare Strategic mobility and flexibility Strike at a point of choosing Projection of power ashore Forcible entry

Limitations of Amphibious Warfare Initially vulnerable Natural Hazards Environmental Conditions Sea Terrain Climate Complexity

Themes of Amphibious Operations

Problems of the Tadpole Limited and temporary ability for: a naval force to project influence over land. a ground force to project influence over the sea. Transformation Vulnerable time for the landing force Reduce vulnerability with a rapid build up of combat power ashore.

The landing itself is rarely the key problem Most attackers have succeeded getting ashore. Defenders are rarely able to cover an entire shoreline Objective of amphibious planners to choose a landing site of minimal resistance.

The problems of command Amphibious Operations incorporate: Naval Warfare, with Land Warfare The complexity of each type of warfare today necessitates a separate commander for each. Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) Commander Landing Force (CLF)

The amphibious invasion is a means to an end, not an end to itself The landing is a prerequisite for accomplishing a subsequent ground mission. The ground mission should drive the amphibious planning (not vice versa). Historical examples of planners becoming so concerned with getting ashore, that they give little or no thought to what to do when they got there. Roanoke Island in 1862 and Fort Fisher in 1864

The influence of terrain and geography Only certain portions of the world’s coastlines are assailable by amphibious forces. Dictates if and where a landing can be made Influences the attacker’s & defender’s plans Has spurred the development of some specialized amphibious equipment

The amphibious operation as a form of envelopment Maneuver Turning the enemy’s flank by sea to gain an advantageous position. Flexibility “Amphibious flexibility is the greatest strategic asset that a sea power possesses.” -B.H. Liddell, Marines and Strategy, p. 31 Strategic Envelopment (i.e. Gallipoli) Operational Envelopment (i.e. Inchon)

The inherent chaotic and decentralized nature of landings Amphibious Operations by nature: Have many moving parts Have inherent friction Are a small unit action Direct control limited to each landing craft Small unit leadership and initiative are imperative to success. Higher level commanders can’t assume control of the land fight until landing forces begin to organize ashore.

The development of amphibious technology and techniques Amphibious operations are specialized and complex. Requires specialized amphibious: Equipment Vehicles, landing craft, defensive obstacles Tactics and Techniques Naval Gun Fire Support

Themes of Amphibious Operations Problems of the Tadpole The landing itself is rarely the key problem The problems of command The amphibious invasion is a means to an end, not an end to itself The influence of terrain and geography The amphibious operation as a form of envelopment The inherent chaotic and decentralized nature of landings The development of amphibious technology and techniques

Five Types of Amphibious Operations Amphibious Assault Amphibious Demonstration Amphibious Withdrawal Amphibious Raid Other Amphibious Operations DRAWO == DRAWD

Amphibious Assault “…an attack launched from the sea by naval and landing forces embarked in ships or craft involving a landing on a hostile shore” - Joint Publication 1-02 Purpose Prosecute further combat operations Obtain a site for an advance naval or air base Deny the use of an area or facility to the enemy. Fix enemy forces or attention. May be an opposed or unopposed landing

Amphibious Demonstration Deceive the enemy with a show of force A form of deception Cause the enemy to react or commit forces without actually landing Example: 4th MEB in Desert Storm

Amphibious Withdrawal Withdraw forces from a hostile shore for tactical or operational reasons. May be an opposed or unopposed withdrawal. Example: Inchon

Amphibious Raid An amphibious assault with a planned withdrawal Typically short in duration with the intent on inflicting damage, securing information/intelligence, creating a diversion, or capturing/rescuing individuals or materials. Example: MEU(SOC)

Other Amphibious Operations Using the capabilities of an amphibious force for military operations other than war (MOOTW) Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA)

PHASES of an Amphibious Operation Planning Embarkation Rehearsals Movement Action PERMA

QUESTIONS? Know phases, types and themes. Think about in terms and application of MCDP1.