Making Marines... Winning Battles... - GlobalSecurity.org

police; disbursing (pay services); water production and distribution; engineering;
medical and dental services; fuel storage and distribution; and other services to the
deployed MEU.
The 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 what it needs to sustain itself from the sea for the rapid
accomplishment of the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and
composition of the MEU make it well suited for amphibious operations; security
operations; noncombatant evacuation of civilians threatened by, or suffering from
violence; special operations; and service as mobile training teams.
Prior to deployment, each MEU is thoroughly trained in 29 unique capabilities,
ranging from humanitarian assistance to traditional amphibious assaults and special
operations capable missions.
The MEU is not a special operations force by definition, nor does the Marine
Corps provide forces with the primary mission of special operations. Though the
Marine Corps does not have special operations units, MEUs are forward deployed in
“hot spots” around the
world and are able to
perform many missions
in addition to
conventional military
fighting. An enhancement
of individual and
unit capabilities is
reflected by the
designation Special
Operations Capable
(SOC).
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