MAGTF Command for CSS Officers
Abstract
Combat Service Support (CSS) officers do not receive the same opportunity to command a Marine air ground task force (MAGTF) as their ground or aviation counterparts. At The Basic School (TBS), officers are taught that the MAGTF consists of four elements: Command Element (CE), Ground Combat Element (GCE), Aviation Combat Element (ACE), and Combat Service Support Element (CSSE). Excluding the CE, all elements of the MAGTF play an integral role. In an ideal model each element would have respective officers screened for MAGTF command. However, only one MAGTF has been commanded by a CSS officer: Brigadier General Ronald S. Coleman. Since the restructuring of the CSSE to better support ground combat operations, the CSS officer should have the same opportunity as his peers to command the MAGTF. A MAGTF commander chosen from the CSS community provokes controversy within the Marine officer corps. Besides the selection of Brigadier General Coleman to command a Special Purpose MAGTF, no other CSS officer has commanded a MAGTF. In 2006, three colonels were selected for MAGTF command (two infantry and an aviation officer). Again, no CSS officer was given command of a MAGTF. Doctrinal publications offer mixed signals about which military occupational specialties (MOS) will be reviewed for MAGTF command. A common thought among many officers is that CSS officers possibly lack fire support knowledge. Finally, CSS officers need to establish tight relationships with their counterparts to be accepted as competent MAGTF officers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA494113
Entities
People
- Eric M. Beckmann
Organizations
- Marine Corps University