VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
SECTION II — EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
11010 CONCEPT
a. Amphibious warfare incorporates virtually all types of ships, aircraft, weapons, and landing
forces in a concerted military effort against a hostile or potentially hostile shore. The inherent naval character
of the amphibious operation is reflected in the principles which govern the organization of the forces involved
and the conduct of the operation.
b. Mobility, flexibility, and sound up-to-date intelligence are fundamental requirements of amphibious
operations. These operations exploit the element of surprise and capitalize upon enemy weaknesses.
This is achieved through application of the required type and degree of force at the most
advantageous locations at the most opportune times. The mere threat imposed by the existence of powerful
amphibious forces may induce the enemy to disperse his forces; this in turn may cause him to make expensive
and wasteful efforts to defend the coastline.
11011 TYPES AND SEQUENCE OF AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION
a. Types.
(1) Amphibious Assault. This is the principal type of amphibious operation and involves establishing
a force on a hostile or potentially hostile shore. The requirement to be able to create a rapid
build-up of combat power ashore accounts for the organizational and technical differences between amphibious
and land warfare.
(2) Amphibious Withdrawal. This is the withdrawal of forces by sea in naval ships or craft from
a hostile or potentially hostile shore.
(3) Amphibious Demonstration. This is an operation conducted to deceive the enemy in order
to make him take up positions which are unfavorable to him.
(4) Amphibious Raid. This is a landing from the sea onto a hostile shore, involving swift incursion
into, or temporary occupation of, an objective, followed by a planned withdrawal. Raids might be
conducted to:
(a) Inflict loss or damage.
(b) Obtain information.
(c) Create a diversion.
(d) Capture or evacuate individuals or equipment.
NOTE
The last three types of amphibious operation do not involve establishing a landing force ashore.
b. Sequence. An amphibious operation is complete within itself and consists of a sequence of
five phases, some of which may be concurrent.
(1) Planning. The planning phase starts on an order (called the Initiating Directive — see Article
11015) that directs the operation to take place and ends with the embarkation of forces. Planning must be
11-2 ORIGINAL