VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
11012 ORGANIZATION
a. The Amphibious Task Force. The task organization formed for the purpose of conducting
an amphibious operation is the amphibious task force. The amphibious task force always includes naval
forces and a landing force, with their organic aviation. Other air forces may be included as required.
b. Naval Forces. The naval element of an amphibious task force may include any of the following
groups. Two or more of the groups may be joined together for more effective control and their names
altered accordingly, at CATF’s discretion.
(1) Transport Groups. Groups which provide for the embarkation, movement to the objective,
landing, and logistic support of the landing force. They comprise all shipping in which the landing
force is embarked, including shipping which transports the helicopters and helicopterborne troops.
Navy landing craft to be employed in the ship-to-shore movement are organic to or attached to the
transport groups.
(2) Control Group. Personnel, ships, and craft designated to control the waterborne
ship-to-shore movement.
(3) Tactical Air Control Groups. Shipborne organizations necessary to operate a tactical air control
center (TACC) and a tactical air direction center (TADC) (afloat) for the control of air operations.
(4) Fire Support Groups. Groupings of naval combatants charged with supporting landing
force operations ashore by naval gunfire and guided missile support.
(5) Shore-Based Navy Tactical Air Groups. Task organizations of tactical air units assigned
to the amphibious task force which are to be land based within, or sufficiently close to, the objective area
to provide tactical air support to the amphibious task force.
(6) Support Carrier Force. A task organization of aircraft carriers with embarked aircraft and
supporting ships which provides naval air support to the amphibious task force.
(7) Screening Group. A task organization to furnish protection to the amphibious task force en
route to the objective area and during operations in the objective area.
(8) Mine Warfare (MW) Group. A task organization of mine warfare units for the conduct of
surface minelaying and/or mine countermeasures (MCM) in maritime operations. In amphibious operations,
the CATF, the advance force commander, or the respective local area commander is responsible
for the overall direction of mining/MCM forces and will normally issue the MCM OPDIR. The surface
mining and MCM commanders, who may be combined in one person, are responsible for the detailed
tasking of their units. The establishment of such groups, if required to accomplish the mission, will be
detailed in the Initiating Directive. Command and control arrangements for MW operations in amphibious
warfare will be in accordance with ATP 6 and ATP 24.
(9) Reconnaissance and VSW MCM Group. A task organization including ships, embarked
reconnaissance troops, underwater demolition personnel, and VSW MCM assets which conduct reconnaissance,
hydrographic surveys, and demolition of natural, man-made obstacles or mines.
(10) Tactical Deception Group. A task organization which conducts deception operations
against the enemy, including electronic, communication, visual, and other methods designed to misinform
and confuse the enemy.
11-4 CHANGE 1