personnel qualification standard (pqs) - I Marine Expeditionary ...

109 Amphibious Operations
109.2 State the sequence of events for each of the following phases of
Amphibious Operations:
a. Planning. Planning, the planning phase begins with the receipt of the initiating
directive or the issuing of the LF/MAGTF activation order
b. Embarkation. Embarkation Phase, the embarkation phase is the period during
which the forces, with their equipment and supplies, move to staging areas and
embark in assigned shipping.
c. Rehearsal. Rehearsal Phase, The rehearsal phase is the period when the CATF
and CLF test the adequacy of plans, make sure that all elements are familiar with
plans and test communications.
d. Movement. Movement Phase, is the phase during which the elements of the ATF
move from the POEs to the AOA.
e. Assault. The assault phase is the period of time between the arrival of the major
assault forces of the ATF in the objective area and the accomplishment of the
Amphibious Task Force mission.
109.3 Discuss the special attachments of a Landing Force Support Party (LFSP).
Special attachments are made to the LFSP for defense of the Beach Support Area (BSA),
to provide liaison personnel, and for specialized tasks. For example, air defense units may
be attached to establish facilities to detect and counter air attacks in the BSA. During the
early stages of the assault CLF may deploy tactical units to counter threats in the BSA or
Landing Zone Support Area (LZSA) or the LFSP commander, in an emergency situation,
may take operational control of any units operating in the BSA/LZSA to provide area
defense. If U.S. Army, or allied units, are included in the LF, representatives from these
organizations are attached to the LFSP for liaison and coordination. The NCR element
may be attached to the LFSP. The NCR is a LF controlled unit that is used for
construction tasks that are beyond the capabilities or focus of Marine Corps engineer
units. The NCR, also called “sea bees” constructs or repairs air and logistics facilities for
LF use and develops or improves the transportation network within the BSA/LZSA.
(Also See 109.10 for further details)
109.4 Discuss the following types of amphibious operations:
Amphibious Raids
An amphibious raid is an operation involving a swift incursion into or the
temporary occupation of an objective to accomplish an assigned mission followed
by a planned withdrawal. Amphibious raids are conducted as independent
operations or in support of other operations, such as another amphibious landing
or land, air, or naval operation. Depending on the purpose of the raid, it may be
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