MAGTFs and Adaptive Naval Expeditionary Force Packages: Operational Masterpieces or Failures
Abstract
As the Naval services strive to construct naval adaptive force options, two recent Naval expeditionary experiments involving Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) are analyzed, in union with the benchmark Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)). A study of mission capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses is conducted on both the '3+1 MAGTF' (three amphibious ships and one maritime pre-position ship) and the carrier special purpose MAGTF SPMAGTF. This research is purposeful because of the requirement to identify operational shortfalls which have hampered the CINCs' ability to perform critical missions such as forward presence and crisis response. The scope of this study is limited to major mission capabilities, and limitations that CINCs would normally employ in their theater of operations. The analysis utilizes the principles of war as a framework for exploring critical clements of the operational art. Chief findings validate the operational utility of the venerable MEU (SOC) and discredit the two experimental Naval expeditionary adaptive force packages. While these experiments are summarily discarded in lieu of the MEU (SOC), lessons learned are applicable to the evolving concept of joint adaptive force packages.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279501
Entities
People
- Thomas F. Qualls Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College