Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Air-Ground Task Forces form the fundamental structure of all United States Marine Corps operations. They always have the same four components; they differ in the size of each component.
- Command element
- Aviation combat element
- Ground combat element
- Combat service support element
| Organization | Typical command | Typical air component | Typical ground component | Typical support component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) | Colonel | Squadron | Battalion | Group |
| Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) | Brigadier general | composite Marine aircraft group | reinforced infantry regiment, | brigade service support group. |
| Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) | Lieutenant general (major general as separate Forward) | 1 or more Wing | 1 or more Division | 1 or more force service support groups. |
Marine Expeditionary Unit
This is the basic forward-deployed, at-sea Marine organization, teamed with a Navy Expeditionary Strike Group. Its support organization allows it to operate, unsupported, for limited periods of time.
Most MEUs are designated "Special Operations Capable". This does not make them full-time special operations units under United States Special Operations Command; USSOCOM has a specific Marine Special Operations component. A MEU(SOC) has various augmentation, varying with specifics but variously including a U.S. Navy SEAL detachment, a tank unit, and other selected personnel and equipment, that give enhanced capability to conduct amphibious operations and a variety of specialized missions of limited scope and duration. These additional missions include specialized demolition, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, raids, in-extremis hostage recovery, and enabling operations for followon forces. Doctrine states it may conduct limited special operations in extremis, when other forces are inappropriate or unavailable.
Marine Expeditionary Brigade
A composite unit of intermediate size, with a reasonable sustained operations capability. It can function as part of a joint task force, as the lead echelon of the Marine expeditionary force (MEF), or alone.
1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade is permanently forward-deployed to Okinawa, and is a principal U.S. ground response element for the western Pacific, under United States Pacific Command. A provisional Marine brigade was a key reinforcing element in the early part of the Korean War, acting as "fire brigade" in holding the Pusan Perimeter. This Perimeter was the pocket into which U.S. and South Korean forces had been driven by the North Korean advance.
Marine Expeditionary Force
The largest Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) and the Marine Corps principal warfighting organization, particularly for larger crises or contingencies. It can operate as a corps-level headquarters. A MEF contains one or more Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings, and Marine force service support groups. It is prepared for sustained operations.
A MEF may also split into a forward echelon and a main headquarters, with the MEF commander at either location. The MEF Forward may prepare for the full MEF, or, as is the case in Iraq, operate as a stand-alone Marine or joint headquarters.
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Based at Camp Pendleton, California, this is the major command in the western U.S., under LTG Samuel Helland. It has a forward echelon currently functioning as the headquarters of Multinational Force-West in Iraq, commanded by MG John Kelly
Currently built around the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Wing, and 1st Force Logistics Group, I MEF served as a corps-equivalent headquarters in the Gulf War, commanding two Marine divisions and attached Army units. Under the command of LTG Walter Boomer, had the major role of breaching the Iraqi defensive lines, and supporting the pan-Arab corps in the liberation of Kuwait City.
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Built around the 2nd Marine Division, this Force is headquartered at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. It is commanded by LTG Dennis Hejlik
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Forward-deployed in Okinawa, the ground elements include both 3rd Marine Division and the permanently established 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. III MEF is now commanded by LTG Richard Zilmer.