A MAGTF Solution for MARSOC

Abstract

THESIS: This study seeks to demonstrate that the strength of a Marine Corps force contribution to USSOCOM is not in the duplication of existing Special Operations Forces (SOF) structure and capabilities, but in the development and employment of a force that is based upon the unique strengths of time-tested applied Marine warfighting doctrine and philosophy, specifically; the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). DISCUSSION: Since the successful integration and employment of the original combined-arms air-ground team concept in WWII, the Marine Corps has realized a high degree of operational success in the employment of the tactically flexible MAGTF. The MAGTF is how Marine Corps' maneuver warfare doctrine translates into practical application on the battlefield. This uniquely Marine attribute complements the uniquely SOF doctrine, which is focused largely on the development of highly-skilled, trained, experienced, and thoroughly vetted personnel. Historical examples of early and recent SOF operations indicate the potential for greater degrees of success with the application of MAGTF doctrine. As a result of DOD direction to increase cooperation between the Marine Corps and USSOCOM, the Marine Corps formed Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Despite the solid efforts by the Marines and staff of MARSOC to close the distance between the two organizations, and to produce the most competent, capable, and relevant force possible, there remains a striking void in the current MARSOC task organization: the absence of a complete MAGTF. CONCLUSION: MARSOC has made great strides towards the accomplishment of its assigned mission by organizing, training, equipping, and deploying Marine Special Operations Forces with organization and capabilities complimentary to SOF. To realize the full potential benefits for both USSOCOM and the Marine Corps; however, the Marine Corps must add an aviation component to make MARSOC a complete MAGTF.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA509870

Entities

People

  • Stephen V. Fiscus

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Air Force
  • Amphibious Operations
  • Combat Forces
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Iraqi-War
  • Marine Corps Operations
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Special Operations Forces
  • United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control