The MEU (SOC) without Fixed Wing
Abstract
The requirement for joint operations between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines requires new doctrine, doctrine which the Marine Corps pioneered years ago. This doctrine within the Marines is called the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The MAGTAF concept takes four elements: Command Element, Ground Combat Element (GCE), Air Combat Element (ACE), and Combat Service Support Element (CSSE), and fights them as one joint team. Organized into three different sizes -- the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), and the Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) -- each MAGTAF has the ability to conduct most aspects of warfare in and of itself. The MAGTF is a concept of which the Marine Corps should be proud. The integration of the four different aspects of war, and the extreme success with which these elements work together toward mission accomplishment, exemplify and justify the overwhelming unity felt within the Marines. The limitations of the MEU (SOC) that are explored in no way undermine the value of the forward deployed MAGTF. Removing fixed wing assets would only serve to allow greater flexibility in deck operations, and greatly enhance training opportunities for both fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. If the Marine Corps believes that fixed wing V/STOL aircraft are undeniably necessary to the MEU (SOC), a new plan needs to be incorporated regarding the training and use of these valuable assets. The future may depend on V/STOL, but a poorly trained force with dwindling assets will only create bigger problems in the long run.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA508659
Entities
People
- Diviney
Organizations
- Marine Corps University