1. Issues, Challenges, Opportunities
Power Projection
From the Seabase
Issues, Challenges, Opportunities
First off, please permit me to express my thanks for asking me to be with you today. I truly believe that the Naval Studies Board is a tremendous resource that has produced extraordinarily valuable products that have had great influence on the Naval Services.
Recently, we at MCCDC worked closely with your Committee on Service Experimentation, and I understand that the Committee’s report is due out soon. And, our command and control integration experts have recently visited with your committee examining ForceNet. We truly value our long-standing relationship with NSB, and in that spirit I would like to offer you some ideas on study topics that are at the top of our list and focus on the growing interest and emphasis on Seabasing.
As most of you know, the Defense Science Board just completed a very thorough look at Seabasing. Throughout that nine-month effort, my staff attended all of the sessions, and I personally participated in a majority of them, as did our Deputy Commandants for PP&O, P&R, and I&L. From where I sit, that task force hit the nail on the head. They came up with some solid recommendations on the way ahead, most of which are ideal topics for the NSB to “look under the hood” and begin work now to examine key seabasing capabilities.
The presentation that follows was excerpted from the DSB’s Seabasing report that is now available on their web site.
James N. Strock
Deputy Director
Expeditionary Force Development Center
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Quantico, VA 22134

2. Changing Security Environment
More competitors, more actors, more complex contingencies, and broader mission range
Global war against terrorists
Homeland Defense
Complex mix of humanitarian, peacemaking and high intensity combat
Greater need to deter forward, respond rapidly and operate flexibly
Premium on speed, flexibility and agility
Must defeat or avoid anti-access threats, and possess ability to operate independent of constraints in austere environments at great distance
Exploit our use of Global Commons (Sea, Cyber, Space)
Operate in chaotic “Three Block War” scenarios

3. Rapid Transition from Crisis to Joint Forcible Entry Operations (JFEO)
Operational Context
Threat Complexity
High degree of uncertainty and ambiguity
Increased complexity of asymmetric threats
COCOM Immediate Response Capability Gaps
Focused, actionable intelligence and “eyes on target”
Rapid standup of JTF C2
Ability to apply tailored combat power immediately, including Special Operations
COCOM Rapid Response Capability Gaps
Tailorable, Scalable, & Modular Capabilities
Rapid Transition from Crisis to Joint Forcible Entry Operations (JFEO)

4. Transforming Naval Capabilities
Today
Organize
Part of the joint force
JTF Capable
Deploy
Forcible Entry < 30 days
MEF 35 – 60 days
Employ
Port, airfield & infrastructure dependent
Dispersed or concentrated
Tomorrow
Organize
Integrate & employ Joint / Multi-National Force Packages
CTF HQ
Deploy
Forcible Entry < 14 days
MEF w/ CTF HQ < 30 days
Employ
Sea Based
Distributed and network-enabled
Speed, Flexibility, Agility

5. Naval Capability Sets Task Organized
Persistent: Provide an agile & networked sea-based force, to assure allies, dissuade & deter adversaries
ESG w/ MEU(SOC), CSG w/CVW
Immediate: Generate actionable intelligence, employ joint fires, establish JTF C2, seize the initiative
ESG w/ MEU(SOC) - Or- CSG w/CVW: 6 hrs – 10 days
Rapid: Execute Joint Forcible Entry, enabling follow-on Joint Force operations
ESG + CSG + MPG w/ MEB = ESF: days
Decisive: Initiate extended Major Combat Operations
ESF + Avail MPGs, ESGs, CSGs, MSC, ATFs w/ MEF: c days
Our construct for future naval forces. This overarching vision describes how future naval forces offer a flexible range of modular and scalable force packages that better provide immediate response and reinforcing capabilities needed by the Combatant Commanders. The vision offers an enhanced capability to support the Combatant Commander in the early stage of a crisis by supporting the stand up of the JTF command element in theater, provides initial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and enables the introduction and operations of Joint forces, including special operations forces. The vision provides for timely forcible entry capabilities to increase available combat capability to the Combatant Commanders, as well as sustained operations ashore across the full range of military operations. The capabilities listed below reflect the four components of my desired end state.
Challenges  Concepts  Capabilities

6. Employ – Persistent & Immediate 6 Hrs to 10 Days
Today’s ARG / MEU(SOC)
Tomorrow's ESG w/ MEU(SOC)
Integrates & employs joint & combined force packages
JTF Enabler
This component focuses on the ESG with MEU(SOC) and its ability to provide Combatant Commanders with more tailored and adaptive suites of capabilities to generate actionable intelligence, alter initial conditions, and seize the initiative. Within this framework, the ESG with MEU(SOC) provides both an enhanced Immediate Response capability that focuses the design of future naval forces on those particular requirements needed day-to-day in theater. It also significantly enhances the ability of forward-deployed naval forces to support early arriving Joint forces or to enable Joint activities including special operations capabilities and to conduct what we call distributed operations.
In addition to meeting the JTF Commander’s immediate response needs, we need to create an enhanced ability to quickly bring selected capabilities to the JTF or the ESG to rapidly reinforce the forward deployed capability set. We should focus on creating the ability to tailor packages to reinforce forward deployed forces or augment the Joint force with specific capabilities. These Rapid Response Capability Sets afford the JTF commander or regional commander greater flexibility and faster reinforcing capabilities than our traditional configurations. This flexibility is generated by a more modular design and greater access to specific capabilities, which can be designated for rapid deployment. These capability sets give the Joint commander greater flexibility in configuring his force in a dynamic environment.
Built within a modular force design, the ESG provides a capable forward presence force that is configured to pull additional capabilities sets that are resident in forward-stationed prepositioning platforms or in CONUS to the joint operations area. Modularity allows a tailorable ESG to be deployed and also allows changes in its capabilities after deployment. The ability to tailor a MEU during deployment will come from the MPG, with its At-Sea Arrival and Assembly and Selective Offload ability- allowing deployed MEUs to tailor/task organize for specific operations or assignments.
Independent & mutually
supporting ops
Networked & distributed
simultaneous ops
Limited Naval Surface
Fire Support & TACAIR
Enhanced joint & organic combined - arms
Limited Intelligence
Actionable intelligence
“Recon Pull” of the JTF/MEB
Optimized to generate and exploit Actionable Intelligence

7. Optimized to Assure Access, Enable Joint Forcible Entry
Employ – Rapid
10 to 14 Days
Today’s MPF MEB
Tomorrow’s MPG w/ MEB
Host Nation permission
Strategic independence
When required, the capabilities of a MEB-sized force will close to the joint operations area by multi-dimensional means, supported en route by networked command and control systems with advanced collaborative planning and rehearsal simulation technologies. Throughout force closure, the ESG contributes to joint advance force operations and to further refinement of the JTF commander’s situational awareness. ESG also provides the “Sea Shield” capabilities required to support closure of the MPG
The JTF Commander will benefit from the selective offload capabilities of MPF(F). Selective offload contributes to increased joint force optempo and speed of operations. The ability to assemble sustainment packages tailored to the needs of the requesting commander, and to deliver those tailored packages directly to units will decrease time, and the associated equipment and manpower ashore required to integrate that sustainment into operations. By optimizing the support tail and delivering exact sustainment packages required in an easily distributable configuration, the commander will increase speed, mobility, and maneuverability while decreasing or eliminating operational pauses or building up vulnerable supply stores ashore.
The capabilities resident in future prepositioning platforms of MPF(F)) will facilitate phased, at-sea arrival and assembly of the MEB. These capabilities will assure access to all of the MEB’s equipment, and its ability to conduct operations from the seabase. The ability to move directly to the sea base assures the rapid deployment of the MEB without the traditional dependence on ports, airfields, and host nation support in the joint operations area. Some organizations and combat capabilities self-deploy; while others flow through advance bases near, but outside the joint operations area. Via strategic airlift and fast intra-theater surface transport, the MEB can be closed to the sea base and ready for employment in as little as 10 to 14 days.
Within the ESF (must include CSG as well) the MPF(F) MEB forms a rapidly employable forcible entry capable force. The MEB arrives and assembles at sea within 14 days. The MEB transitions into its appropriate combat task organization for the contingency aboard the MPG. As the ESF exploits it freedom of operational maneuver at sea to select a position of advantage, the MEB is prepared to launch its Sea-based Maneuver Element directly from the MPG. The MEB can project its organic power and additional Joint elements through both vertical and surface assault. Acting more rapidly than the enemy can react, the MEB can deploy from the sea base to maneuver directly to objectives well inland. The MEB’s maneuver is supported by Joint fire assets, including the Expeditionary Strike Force but other joint assets as well. The sustainment for the force is provided by the MPG’s Seabased Support Element.
The Command and control, logistics and aviation support of the MEB’s maneuver elements can be supported from a sea-based posture aboard the MPG, or can transition ashore depending upon the contingency.
Seabasing capabilities and the MPF(F) platforms afford the JTF commander multiple options to support his scheme of maneuver, and to sustain operations ashore. Seabasing provides an opportunity to act decisively before the enemy can fully integrate his anti-access capabilities. Such a capability gives greater combat power to the JTF Commander and provides it in a timely manner so that the initiative can be maintained
Forcible entry operations in the future must be non-linear and multi-dimensional, and we must be capable of operating across a greater depth and breadth (deeper than 200 NM) of the battlespace. To minimize operational risk, we should achieve greater strategic deployment speed and a faster arrival, reception, staging, and introduction of the MEB. The elimination of a requirement for a nearby port or host nation support increases freedom of action, and markedly improves force protection. The end result is a potent force that is far more capable of establishing and sustaining continuous pressure against an opponent’s defensive systems. Once again, the need for speed, agility and flexibility are key operational challenges we must satisfy.
Needs secure port & airfield
At-sea arrival & assembly
Relies on “Iron Mountain”
Sea-based sustainment
Cornerstone of the emerging
Joint seabase
USMC Specific
Optimized to Assure Access, Enable Joint Forcible Entry

8. Optimized for Transition to Extended Major Combat Operations
Employ - Decisive
20 to 30 Days
Today’s MEF
Tomorrow’s MEF
Deliberate deployment, delayed force closure
Accelerated deployment, employment & sustainment
Seabasing provides four distinct advantages to the Joint Force Commander – physical freedom of movement using the sea as an extended maneuver space, operational freedom of action, reduced vulnerability from attack due to standoff and defensive systems, and increased agility. The future Joint sea base will integrate naval platforms, Air Force ammunition ships and Army afloat prepositioned stocks, with joint command and control capabilities. This will facilitate the transition the Joint Task Force from the immediate response capability (ESG) during the early stages of a crisis to a full MEF supporting the Joint Force Commander in a sustained response that can be indefinitely supported via the sea base. The MEF will be prepared to conduct extended major combat operations, under austere conditions. The MEF will be able to seamlessly and simultaneously mix its conventional combined arms power, with various forms of special and irregular operations, to succeed across the full Range of Military Operations within the same battlespace.
MEF in days
MEF in days
Dispersed & concentrated
Distributed & networked
JTF Capable
Joint Interagency Task
Force Headquarters
Optimized for Transition to Extended Major Combat Operations

9. Distributed Operations
Network-enabled forces, operating as decentralized units (Squad to Battalion)
Applicable from Stability and Security Ops (SASO) to Joint Forcible Entry Ops
Capable of distributed and/or concentrated ops
Generating “actionable intell” in complex terrain or ambiguous situations
High conversion rates of information to action—greater velocity of action
“ Our most effective weapon remains the individual Marine who out-learns, out-thinks, and out-fights any adversary.”
Gen. M. W. Hagee
Additive Capability: Speed, Flexibility, Agility 21

10. Distributed Operations At the Operational Level
Future ESG
Alternative force structures in the near, mid and far term will:
Provide the COCOM with an immediate response capability and flexibly tailored rapid Expeditionary Strike response capability across the full range of military operations.
Power projection
Massive Joint fires
Air mobility (assault)
Exploit sea space
Overlapping and integrated capabilities
Complex and Distributed Battlespace

11. Distributed Operations At the Tactical Level
Concentrated
Swarming
In addition to what we do today
“Raising the Bar”- increased tactical capabilities
Advanced training
- Patrolling
- Reconnaissance
- Targeting
At the tactical level, the concept of Distributed Operations can take several forms, based upon the mission, enemy dispositions and the nature of the terrain. Distributed Operations is predicated on decentralized command and control. It requires situational awareness, autonomy, and increased freedom of action at lower tactical levels, enabling subordinate commanders to compress decision cycles, seize the initiative, and exploit fleeting opportunities. Improved situational awareness, including real time and high fidelity data from dispersed teams, improves the vertical transmission of information. Shared situational awareness, the product of extensive training as well as a common operating picture, accelerates the horizontal integration and mutually supporting actions of spatially dispersed units.
Decentralized operations, facilitated by the commander’s intent, pushes decisionmaking down to the lowest level. This leverages the superiority of Marine small unit leadership and agility, and accelerates the speed and tempo of friendly operations. The rapid tempo of this operations disrupts and disorients the opponent, setting up his dislocation or physical destruction. This dislocation is abetted by the persistence of our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and the application of precise Joint fires.
Based on this richer, higher resolution intelligence picture, and guided by commander’s intent, distributed forces could aggregate or remain distributed. They will be able to use simultaneous, overwhelming firepower against a confused and paralyzed adversary, allowing the main force access to the battlespace. When pockets of adversaries are found, the distributed units could use swarming attacks to defeat them in detail. By attacking from multiple directions, distributed units will be seemingly everywhere. Using fire and maneuver with the benefits of a networked operational picture and combined arms, commanders will present adversary leaders with a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Advanced technologies
- Over the horizon/On the move comm
- Hybrid powered tactical mobility
- Improved target location devices
Exploiting the Ability of Our Small Unit Leaders

12. Issues, Challenges, Opportunities
Power Projection
From the Seabase
Issues, Challenges, Opportunities
Questions ?
First off, please permit me to express my thanks for asking me to be with you today. I truly believe that the Naval Studies Board is a tremendous resource that has produced extraordinarily valuable products that have had great influence on the Naval Services.
Recently, we at MCCDC worked closely with your Committee on Service Experimentation, and I understand that the Committee’s report is due out soon. And, our command and control integration experts have recently visited with your committee examining ForceNet. We truly value our long-standing relationship with NSB, and in that spirit I would like to offer you some ideas on study topics that are at the top of our list and focus on the growing interest and emphasis on Seabasing.
As most of you know, the Defense Science Board just completed a very thorough look at Seabasing. Throughout that nine-month effort, my staff attended all of the sessions, and I personally participated in a majority of them, as did our Deputy Commandants for PP&O, P&R, and I&L. From where I sit, that task force hit the nail on the head. They came up with some solid recommendations on the way ahead, most of which are ideal topics for the NSB to “look under the hood” and begin work now to examine key seabasing capabilities.
The presentation that follows was excerpted from the DSB’s Seabasing report that is now available on their web site.