Marine Expeditionary Unit
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A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is the smallest Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the United States Marine Corps.
The Marine Expeditionary Unit is normally built around a reinforced Marine infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron, a logistics combat element, and a command element. Troop strength is about 2,200, and it is commanded by a colonel. Occasionally a MEU is built around a regiment and is called a Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and is commanded by a Brigadier General.
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[edit] Expeditionary Strike Group
The MEU is routinely deployed aboard an Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in the Mediterranean, the Western Pacific, and periodically, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for roughly six months; unless in a time of crisis and war. An ESG is typically composed of three amphibious ships that embark the necessary troops and equipment and are escorted by a guided missile cruiser {CG} and guided missile destroyers {DDG}and submarine {SSN}support.
[edit] Attributes
The MEU is unique in that its air and ground combat elements are combined with a logistics combat element under one commander; other services do not unite the command of air and ground forces until much higher command levels (typically theater commands, with a full general in command). Also, the ground combat element combines artillery and light armor at a much lower level than is common in the U.S. Army.
This air-ground task force concept is designed to thoroughly exploit the combat power inherent in air and ground assets by closely integrating them into a single force. The MEU brings all the supplies it needs to sustain itself for quick mission accomplishment or to pave the way for any follow-up forces.
[edit] Elements
[edit] Ground Combat Element
The Ground Combat Element (GCE) is the battalion landing team, an infantry battalion reinforced with an artillery battery, Amphibious Assault Vehicles, light armored reconnaissance assets, and other units as the mission and circumstances require.
[edit] Aviation Combat Element
The Aviation Combat Element (ACE) is a Marine Composite Squadron (Reinforced) composed of a Medium/Heavy Helicopter Squadron augmented with three other types of helicopters and one detachment of amphibious flight-deck-capable jets. These units include the following aircraft:
- CH-53E Super Stallion
- CH-46 Sea Knight (soon to be replaced by MV-22 Osprey)
- UH-1N Huey
- AH-1W Cobra
- AV-8B Harrier II
[edit] Combat Service Support Element
The Combat Service Support Element (CSSE) contains all the logistics specialists necessary to operate independently. It includes medical, dental, maintenance, engineering, and other technical experts. This element is now referred to as the MEU Service Support Group (MSSG)
[edit] Command Element
The Command Element (CE)—the MEU commander and his supporting staff—provides command and control of the other three elements. It also includes specialized detachments for naval gunfire, reconnaissance, surveillance, specialized communications, and electronic warfare, and public affairs missions.
[edit] The MEU Cycle
Interim / Build-Up Period: Upon completion of a deployment, the Marine Expeditionary Unit remains "Special Operations Capable" for approximately one month, prepared to respond to events around the world. The MEU then releases its major subordinate elements (MSEs), retaining only its command element. This period provides the command element a chance to rotate select personnel and begin planning for the addition of newly assigned MSEs and “work-up” training. When the MSEs are received, the MEU begins six months of intense pre-deployment training.
Work-Up Period: Training during the six month work-up period is often referred to as "crawl, walk, run." The Marines and sailors progress through curriculum and exercises that teach individual, small unit, and unit tactics while integrating the separate MEU elements into a cohesive, flexible and powerful force. The work-up period includes training in the following areas: Urban Sniper, Mechanized and Motorized Raids, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, Humanitarian Assistance, Mass Casualty, Scout Swimmer, and Mountain Warfare. Exercises conducted during the work-up period include: Amphibious Squadron—MEU Integration Training (PMINT), Training in an Urban Environment Exercise (TRUEX), Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise (ESGEX), and the Special Operations Capable Certification Exercise (CERTEX or SOCCEX). Prior to deployment, the MEU receives certification as Special Operations Capable and then referred to as a "MEU (SOC}".
Deployment: Following the work-up, the MEU deploys for six months in support of geographic combatant commanders. During this time, the MEU is a forward-deployed, self-sustaining force that combatant commanders can direct to accomplish a variety of special operations and conventional missions. The missions may include: Conventional Operations (Amphibious Assaults and Raids); Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP); Humanitarian Assistance Operations (HAO); Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO); and Security Operations.
