The SC-MAGTF

[TROUFION]

Gents I can only ask that you read through the Attached Pamphlet --The Long War, Send in the Marines. It can answer your questions far better than I could.

http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/docu...themarines.pdf

But to summarize:

27 Inf Bn's total. 18 conducting full spectrum training. 9 foward deployed--3 UDP/3 MEU/ 3 SC MAGTF. Giving the Corps a 1:2 deployed to dwell (recovery & refit) rotation.

The SC -MAGTF is task organized around an Inf Bn. Prepared for Full spectrum operations. Optimized for Security Cooperation. Deploys to a Forward Operating Site (like Rota Spain) and sends out detachments throughout a designated AOR. Available for re-aggregation and redeployment to meet contingencies. This is and remains a General Purpose Force.

The SC-MAGTF expands the Corps capabilites into the lower end of the expeditionary force spectrum to increase and sustain forward presence, while retaining the ability to reorient for more traditional missions. It is NOT a replacement for the MEU. It is a seperate entity but capable of working with and or in support of the MEU, or to be reassigned to a MEB or MEF for larger operations. The SC-MAGTF will be tied into the Naval GFS to facilitate operations with amphibs, HSV's and MSC shipping to provide forward presence via seabasing. It is considered Distributed Operations.

Distributed operations meaning-general purpose forces, operating with deliberate dispersion, where necessary and tactically prudent , with de-centralized decsion-making consistent with commander's intent to achieve specific advantages over an enemy. A technique applied to an appropriate situation wherein units are seperated beyond the limits of mutual support. When facing irregular forces or forces operating in complex terrain, distributed operations allow the commander to expand his area of influence. During Security cooperation the decentralized action will permit wider, more diverse application of power and influence. This same capability can be leveraged to enable rapid re-aggregation or reinforcement where military power projection must be quickly applied.

[Rob Thornton]

I think you have to consider it as a capability a Service provider brings to the table. Its not a panacea, but it is a capability.

I think it fits the Marines because like the MAGTF its modeled on, its scalable, and it plays to their strong suit. If the other services come up with their own answers, be they a BCT that has a regional focus and gets told that for 6 months they will work with country X to improve Y capabilities in their security forces, or an USAF "Out-Back" AF component that improves a HN's air forces, or a USN or USCG element working to help a HN improve their ability to combat piracy, they all bring capabilities to the GCC that he can use to meet policy objectives.

There is no one element that is going to do all of this - and as we've seen in certain conditions we have to address additional needed capabilities and/or capacity with Ad-Hoc solutions that might look different from whatever becomes normal, what is important is that we understand the capabilities the services put forward and employ them in a Joint and/or Inter-Agency context that is consistent withe the conditions and the ends we are trying to achieve.

I'd say good on the Marine Corps Leadership for recognizing the need, for realizing that their Marines are capable of doing this mission when given the resources, and doing it in a manner that addresses operational and strategic risk.

Best, Rob