United StatesMarine Corps

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

Overview

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

• 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

Commandant of the Marine Corps

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

• 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

Doctrine

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

Operating Forces

• Two Fleets– Atlantic Fleet– Pacific Fleet

• Expeditionary in nature–Marine Air-Ground

Task Force (MAGTF)

Fleet Marine Forces

• 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

MAGTF

• 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 Force (MEF)

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

• 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

Special PurposeMAGTF

• 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 Division

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

• Composite grouping of functional components that provide combat support service to the MAGTF

Force Service Support Groups

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

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

Summary