Organization of the United States Marine Corps

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). The most senior Marine commissioned officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for operation under the command of the unified combatant commanders. The Marine Corps is organized into four principal subdivisions: Headquarters Marine Corps, the Operating Forces, the Supporting Establishment, and the Marine Forces Reserve.

The Operating Forces are further subdivided into three categories: Marine forces assigned to

Unified Combatant Commands, Marine Corps Security Forces guarding naval installations, and Marine Security Guard detachments at American embassies. Under the "Forces for Unified Commands" memo, Marine forces are assigned to each of the regional unified combatant commands at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense and with the approval of the President. Since 1991, the Marine Corps has maintained component headquarters at each of the regional unified combatant commands.[1]

Marine Corps Forces are further divided into

Marine Forces Central Command, and Marine Corps Installations West
.

The Supporting Establishment includes Combat Development Command, Recruit Depots, Marine Corps Logistics Command, Marine Bases & Air Stations, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and the United States Marine Band.

Relationship with other uniformed services

Since the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army both believe that their combat capabilities overlap each other, they have both historically viewed the other branch as encroaching on their capabilities and have competed for money, missions, and fame. The Marines grew to a field strength of six divisions during World War II, including the 5th Marine Division (United States) and the 6th Marine Division (United States). Both were disbanded after the war.

Most significantly, in the aftermath of

Dwight Eisenhower, who later became the President of the United States, and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.[2]

Both the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), heads of their respective services, report directly to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). As a result, the Navy and Marine Corps have a close relationship, more so than with other branches of the United States Armed Forces. Recent whitepapers and promotional literature have commonly used the phrase "Navy-Marine Corps Team".[3] [4] This relationship stems from the Navy providing transport, logistical, medical, and religious service as well as combat support to put Marine units into the fight where they are needed. Conversely, Marines are responsible for conducting land operations to support naval campaigns, including the seizure of naval and air bases. All Marine Aviation programs except for specific command and control and air defense programs are funded by the Navy. Marine Corps officers are assigned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Air Warfare Branch (N98) to represent Marine Aviation interests and serve as "action officers" (viz., staff members).[5] By Congressional mandate, the OPNAV Director, Expeditionary Warfare Branch (N95) is filled by a Marine general.

The Marine Corps cooperates with the Navy on many institutional support services. The corps receives a significant portion of its officers from the

C-130
Hercules aircraft and crew.

Since the Marines do not train

Navy Cross, the highest honor awarded short of the Medal of Honor (which Marines also are awarded, in the Navy version of the Medal of Honor), and other like medals; while an example of the few Marine-only awards is the Good Conduct Medal
.

Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)

Main article:
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Air-Ground Task Force

Today, the basic framework for deployable Marine units is the

command element (CE), the ground combat element (GCE), the aviation combat element (ACE) and the logistics combat element (LCE).[6]
A MAGTF can operate independently or as part of a larger coalition. It is a temporary organization formed for a specific mission and dissolved after completion of that mission.

The MAGTF structure reflects a strong tradition in the Corps towards self-sufficiency and a commitment to combined arms, both essential assets to an expeditionary force often called upon to act independently in discrete, time-sensitive situations. The history of the Marine Corps as well has led to a wariness towards relying too much on its sister services, and towards joint operations in general[citation needed].

A MAGTF varies in size from the smallest, a

Logistics Group
under a MEF Headquarters Group.

The three Marine Expeditionary Forces are:

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

See also:
List of Marine Expeditionary Units

Each of the seven MEUs are assigned to their respective Navy fleet as components of the

aviator. The MEU components consist of a command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, and a logistics combat element each commanded by a lieutenant colonel. MEU rotations are staggered so that while one MEU is on deployment, another is training to deploy, and one is standing down to refit and exchange units. Each MEU is trained during its workup evolution to perform special operations tasks and is then designated as an MEU(SOC) (Special Operations Capable
). Each MEU can tailor its equipment to the expected tasking.

MEU Components:

  • Command Element
  • Aviation Combat Element (a composite squadron organized with a variety of platforms)
  • Ground Combat Element (an infantry battalion, known as the "Battalion Landing Team", task-organized and reinforced with other organic elements such as armor, artillery, and engineers)
  • Logistics Combat Element (provides the six functional areas of combat service support to the MEU)

Typically, a MEU falls under the operational control of but no longer deploys as part of an

Amphibious Assault Vehicle
(though the MEU can utilize its helicopter lift assets embarked aboard the LHD or LHA). The theater component commander can use the ESG in its entirety or detach units as needed, though the MEU usually remains aboard the ships of the ESG to use it as their principal base of operations. This ability to remain at sea and "over the horizon" until called is a unique capability of the ESG/MEU.

Ground Combat Elements (GCE)

See also:
Ground Combat Element

The basic organization of Marine Corps infantry units follows the "rule of threes", which places three subordinates under a commander, not counting support elements.

Table of Organization and Equipment
(TOE) standard. Note that these are principles, but according to manpower and mission needs units can deviate from the TOE (e.g. with four subordinate units instead of three, or a commander who is a rank above or below the rank specified). Supporting units will have their own organization and equipment, but generally also follow the "rule of threes".

A weapons platoon, usually commanded by a 1st lieutenant and assisted by a gunnery sergeant as the platoon sergeant, will substitute for the rifle squads:[8][9]
  • a 60 mm mortar section, with a staff sergeant as section leader and consisting of three mortar squads, with each squad led by a corporal as squad leader and containing one M224 mortar and three Marines.;
  • an assault section, led by a sergeant as section leader and consisting of three assault squads, with each squad led by a corporal and containing two teams, with each team consisting of a
    SMAW
    and two Marines; and
  • a medium machine gun section, led by a staff sergeant as section leader and consisting of three machine gun squads, with each squad led by a sergeant as squad leader and containing two teams, which each team led by a corporal as team leader and containing one M240G and three Marines).
  • A rifle company, commanded by a captain as the commanding officer (CO) and assisted by a 1st lieutenant as the company executive officer (XO) who serves as second-in-command, consists of three rifle platoons, a weapons platoon, and a company headquarters, which, in addition to the two officers, includes the first sergeant, company gunnery sergeant, property NCO, and a messenger/driver.
A weapons company, commanded by a major and assisted by a captain as XO, will substitute for the rifle platoons an 81 mm mortar platoon, an anti-armor platoon, and a heavy machine gun platoon. In deference to the more extensive training requirements and complicated tactical considerations necessitated by the crew-served weapons employed by the weapons company, its platoon commanders are usually 1st lieutenants and the platoon sergeants are gunnery sergeants. The company headquarters includes a master sergeant as the operations chief (in lieu of the company gunnery sergeant) and an additional messenger/driver.
A
battalion headquarters, which includes the command section (including the battalion CO, battalion XO, and the sergeant major
), the executive staff sections (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, & S-6), and the chaplain section. The company consists of a company headquarters section, a scout sniper platoon, a communications platoon, a service platoon, and a medical platoon.
  • An
    headquarters and service company
    .
  • An
    regimental headquarters company
    .
  • A
    headquarters battalion
    .

The unit designation

Brigade Combat Team
. The air, or aviation, combat element (ACE) consists of a composite Marine Aircraft Group containing several helicopter, tilt rotor, tactical fixed wing, and UAV squadrons and/or detachments, as well as aviation ground support, command and control, and air defense units. The MAG is roughly equivalent in terms of numbers of aircraft and personnel to a US Army Combat Aviation Brigade. The logistics combat element (LCE) consists of a combat logistics regiment (CLR) consisting of combat logistics battalions (CLB), and specialized logistical companies and detachments to support the MAGTF. The headquarters, or command, element (CE) consists of specialized companies and detachments that perform various command, control, communications, surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence, law enforcement, and liaison functions.

Two unique unit designations to the Marine Corps are

Marine Logistics Group as its LCE, and a regimental-sized MEF Headquarters Group (MEF HQG)
as its CE.

Battalions, and larger units commanded by a

executive staff consisting of: Manpower / Administration & Personnel (S-1), Intelligence (S-2), Operations, Plans & Training (S-3), Logistics (S-4), Civil Affairs (wartime only) (S-5), and Communications (S-6) sections. Units commanded by a general officer
have a chief of staff and a general staff in which the staff sections are designated as G-1, G-2, etc. Battalions and larger units replace the company (and battery) first sergeant with a sergeant major, as the senior enlisted advisor to the unit commander.

The four Marine divisions are:

In World War II, two more Marine Divisions were formed: the 5th and 6th, which fought in the Pacific War. These divisions were disbanded after the end of the war. The 5th Marine Division was reactivated for service in Vietnam but was disbanded again in the early 1970s.

Aviation combat element (ACE)

See also: United States Marine Corps Aviation and Aviation combat element

The mission of Marine Corps aviation is to provide the MAGTF commander with an aviation combat element (ACE) capable of conducting air operations in support of the seizure and defense of advanced naval bases, and conducting such land operations as may be directed by the Joint Force commander.

The ACE supports the MAGTF by providing the six functions of Marine aviation:

control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance
.

Aviation units are organized into:

  • Squadrons of 5–27 aircraft (depending upon aircraft type), tactically organized into sections of 2–3 aircraft and divisions of 2–3 sections, as needed for mission requirements (squadrons may also be organized with one or more detachments, containing two or more aircraft, for deployment requirements), commanded by a lieutenant colonel
  • Groups of 4–12 squadrons (average of 7 squadrons per group) and a group headquarters, commanded by a colonel
  • Wings of two or more Marine aircraft groups (MAG), a Marine air control group, and Marine wing headquarters squadron, and a Marine wing headquarters, commanded by a major general
    as the wing CG with a brigadier general as the assistant wing commander.

The four Marine aircraft wings are:

Logistics Combat Element (LCE)

See also: Logistics combat element

Beyond logistics (i.e., motor transport, supply, and maintenance), the LCE provides engineer support (i.e., heavy equipment, bulk fuel and water, utilities, bridging, explosive ordnance disposal, and reinforcement to combat engineer units), medical and dental personnel, and other specialized units (e.g., aerial delivery and landing support).

The four Marine logistics groups are:

Marine Corps Special Operations Components

Further information: Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable)

Although the notion of a Marine special warfare contribution to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was considered as early as the founding of USSOCOM in the 1980s, it was resisted by the Marine Corps. Then Commandant Paul X. Kelley expressed the popular belief that Marines should support Marines, and that the Corps should not fund a special warfare capability that would not support Marine operations.[10]

However, resistance from within the Marine Corps dissipated when Marine leaders watched the Corps' "crown jewels"—the

Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), which would answer directly to USSOCOM.[12]

Marine Special Operations Command

Main article:
United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

The Marine Special Operations Command is the Marine Corps's

special operations component that reports to United States Special Operations Command
(USSOCOM). Currently, MARSOC trains, organizes, equips and, when directed by the Commander, USSOCOM, deploys task organized, scalable, and responsive U.S. Marine Corps special operations forces worldwide in support of combatant commanders and other agencies.

The MSOAG, formerly the FMTU, has been operating since 2005, before MARSOC formally existed. MARSOC was formally activated during a February 24 ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where MARSOC is now headquartered. Fox Company, 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, was the first of the Marine Special Operations Battalions' companies to activate in the Spring of 2006. Drawing its manpower from the core of 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co., Fox Company's creation came at the expense of 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co., which stood down upon the transfer of its platoons to both MARSOC's 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, and a new company (Delta) of 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

  • A fireteam is the basic element of the
    Marine Special Operations Regiment
    . Like fireteams in the infantry, MSOR fireteams consist of four Marines; a team leader/grenadier, an automatic rifleman, an assistant automatic rifleman and a rifleman.
  • A Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) is made up of three fireteams, in addition to a captain as a team leader, a radio operator and a Navy corpsman.
  • A Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC), made up of four MSOTs and commanded by a major.
  • A Marine Special Operations Battalion, made up of four MSOCs and commanded by a lieutenant colonel.

The three Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOBs) are:

MARSOC also contains a Marine Special Operations Support Group (SOSG) that trains, equips, structures, and provides specially qualified Marine forces, including operational logistics, intelligence, multipurpose canines, Firepower Control Teams and communications support in order to sustain worldwide special operations missions as directed by Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (COMMARFORSOC).

See also

References

  1. ^ GlobalSecurity.org. "Marine Corps Organization". GlobalSecurity.org.
  2. ISBN 0-87021-785-2
    . Chapter 7, The Marines' Push Button 113-119
  3. ^ Clark, Adm. Vern (October 2002). "Sea Power 21". Proceedings (October 2002). Naval Institute Press. Archived from the original on July 19, 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-28.
  4. ^ Lt. Col. James Kuhn. Enduring Freedom (Film). Department of the Navy.
  5. ^ Action Officer: Staff Writing, Action Officer (Definition), U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Preface.
  6. ^ "MARADMIN 562/06". Renaming of the Combat Service Support Element (CSSE) to the Logistics Combat Element (LCE). US Marine Corps.
  7. ^ "The United States Navy". University of California, Berkeley. p. 36. Archived from the original (PowerPoint) on 26 June 2007. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  8. ^ "Platoon". GlobalSecurity.org. 4 June 2006. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  9. ^ pete maidhof (9 October 2007). "USMC Weapons Platoon". Ambush Alley Games Forum. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  10. ^ Smith, W Thomas Jr. (2005). "Marines, Navy SEALs Forge New Special Operations Team; An exclusive interview with U.S. Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine". Military.com. Retrieved 2006-07-31.
  11. ^ Priddy, Maj. Wade (June 2006). "Marine Detachment 1: Opening the door for a Marine force contribution to USSOCom". Marine Corps Gazette (June 2006). Marine Corps Association: 58–59.
  12. ^ Graham, Bradley (2005-11-02). "Elite Marine Unit to Help Fight Terrorism, Force to Be Part of Special Operations". The Washington Post.
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