Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Chapter Ig. Some combat operations involvingwaterborne movement possess characteristicsand employ some of the same techniques asan amphibious operation. Examples are:maritime pre-positioning force (MPF); afloatpre-positioning force (APF); riverineoperations; inland-water ferrying; and waterterminal and logistics over-the-shore (LOTS)operations. While these may be part of anamphibious operation, they are not bythemselves amphibious operations asdescribed by this doctrine.4. Characteristicsa. Integration Between the Navy andLanding Forces. The key characteristic ofan amphibious operation is close coordinationand cooperation between the ATF, LF, andother designated forces. An amphibiousoperation is ordinarily joint in nature andmay require extensive air, maritime, land,space, and special operations forcesparticipation. It is typified by close integrationof forces trained, organized, and equipped fordifferent combat functions.b. Rapid Buildup of Combat Power fromthe Sea to Shore. The salient requirement ofan amphibious assault is the necessity forswift, uninterrupted buildup of sufficientcombat power ashore from an initial zerocapability to full coordinated striking poweras the attack progresses toward amphibiousforce objectives. To achieve success, anamphibious force should be assured ofmaritime superiority against enemy surfaceand subsurface forces at sea, air superioritythroughout the operational area, and asubstantial superiority over enemy forcesashore. In the face of compelling necessity,commanders may undertake an amphibiousoperation on the basis of a reasonablesuperiority of the entire force. For example,maritime and air superiority may justify alanding even though the LF does not possessthe desired numerical superiority in groundforces, if friendly surface and air units can beI-4used effectively to negate the enemy’sadvantage. In addition to reasonablesuperiority within the landing area, anamphibious force should have the ability toprovide continuous support for forces ashore.c. Task-organized forces are capable ofmultiple missions across the full range ofmilitary operations to enable joint, allied, andcoalition operations. Amphibious forces aretask-organized based on the mission. Whileforward-deployed amphibious forcesroutinely deploy with a similar taskorganization, they can be quickly reinforcedor augmented with other assets in theater,adjacent theaters, or the continental UnitedStates. These forces provide sustainablepower projection to respond to a full range ofcrisis, from forcible entry to humanitarianassistance. The command and control (C2)capabilities of the Navy and LF facilitate theaccomplishment of multiple missions and theintegration of joint and multinational forces.d. Other Factors. Other factors that mustbe considered when planning and conductingamphibious operations include the following.• Natural forces such as weather, sea state,wind, waves, surf, tides, and currents;bathymetry and hydrography; and beach,gradient, soil bearing capacity,trafficability, beach exits, and adjoiningtransportation networks as well as accessto inland lines of communications(LOCs).• Technical, operational, and logisticproblems associated with the following.•• Combat loading large numbers oftroops, equipment, and supplies in ships(possibly at geographically separatedembarkation points).•• Protecting essential information whileassembling, embarking, rehearsing, andmoving the amphibious force to theJP 3-02