United States Marine Corps

United StatesUnited StatesMarine CorpsMarine Corps

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

OverviewOverview

OrganizationOrganization

• 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 CorpsCommandant of the Marine Corps

MissionsMissions

• 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

DoctrineDoctrine

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

Operating ForcesOperating Forces

• Two Fleets– Atlantic Fleet– Pacific Fleet

• Expeditionary in nature–Marine Air-Ground

Task Force (MAGTF)

Fleet Marine ForcesFleet 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

MAGTFMAGTF

• 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 Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)Force (MEF)

Marine Expeditionary Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB)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 Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)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 PurposeSpecial PurposeMAGTFMAGTF

• 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 DivisionMarine Division

Marine Aircraft WingsMarine 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 Force Service Support GroupsSupport Groups

Future TrendsFuture 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

SummarySummary