tailored for any intensity of combat and to any
potential crises, the MEF-F maybe forward deployed
geographic environment. The CEC officer attached to
afloat for an extended period to provide immediate
the Command Element, engineer staff, is the liaison
response. Under these conditions, MEF-F combat
between the MEF engineer staff and NCF units (fig.
operations may be supported from the sea base,
facilities ashore, or a combination of the two. The
MEF-F is normally organized to wcomplish a mission
The regiments will be OPCON to the MEF's
of limited scope and an NMCB is normally assigned
Command Element and all other NCF units will be
to an MEF-F. The MAGTFs elements of an MEF-F
OPCON to the regiments (fig. 1-6).
are as follows:
The MAGTFs elements of an MEF are as follows:
1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): Normally, the
1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): The GCE is
GCE is a regimental landing team (RLT).
usually a Marine division with the appropriate combat
2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Normally,
units. Certain situations may require more than one
the ACE is a Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) that can
GCE in the task organization, conceivably up to two
provide all of the functions of Marine aviation. Unlike
reinforced Marine divisions.
the MEU, the Aviation Combat Element of the MEF-F
2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE): The ACE is
is organized and equipped for early establishment
usually a Marine Aircraft Wing task organized to
ashore. Should the landing area not contain suitable
conduct all types of tactical air operations. The element
airfields, an expeditionary airfield will be developed
is designed for operations in an expeditionary
using assets organic to the MEF-F.
environment. Certain situations may require more than
3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE):
one ACE in the task organization, conceivably up to two
The CSSE is a brigade service support group (BSSG).
Marine Air Wings (MAWs).
The BSSG is task-organized primarily from the force
3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): The
service support group (FSSG) with appropriate
CSSE is the force service support group (FSSG) with
attachments from division and wing assets.
appropriate attachments from division and wing assets.
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY
REAR AREA SECURITY
FORCE (MEF)
Throughout the spectrum of conflict, rear support
The Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the
areas have increasingly become major targets.
largest of the MAGTF, has many variations in its task
Modern weaponry has made rear areas extremely
organization structure. It is commanded by either a
major general or a lieutenant general, depending on its
vulnerable. Rear area security must counteract the
effects of modem weaponry to protect rear support
size and mission. The MEF can conduct a wide range
areas. Seabees are primarily assigned to the rear area
of amphibious and ashore operations. An MEF can be
Figure 1-5.--Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Branch.
