Roles in the Corps

There are hundreds of ways to serve, and every Marine trains in an area of expertise that contributes to the success of our missions.
Whatever their expertise or field of training, Marines are ready to transition from mission to mission at a moment's notice.

Ground Combat Element

The Ground Combat Element conducts land-based and amphibious operations, including offensive, defensive, humanitarian, reconnaissance and security operations. Enlisted Marines and Marine Officers who are chosen for Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in combat arms will become highly skilled in the art of land warfare, as they will often be the first on the scene to confront threats around the world. The Ground Combat Element is the only element in the Marine Corps that can seize and occupy terrain. It asserts combat power and gains battlefield dominance to accomplish the mission. It is composed of Marines with various MOS designations. Enlisted Marine positions include, but are not limited to, Rifleman, LAV Crewman, Scout Sniper, Field Artillery Cannoneer, AAV Crewman, Tank Crewman and Combat Engineer. Officer positions include, but are not limited to, Field Artillery Officer, Ground Intelligence Officer, Infantry Officer and Tank Officer.

 
MAGTF

MAGTF

MAGTF refers to the unique four-part structure that organizes Marine Corps operating forces. This framework brings together Aviation, Ground and Logistics Combat elements under a central Command element. The result is a flexible, combined-arms unit with the capabilities to conduct the Marine Corps' full range of operations, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to projection of power from the sea. 

Many Roles. One Mission.

The Marine Corps is only as capable as each and every Marine. That's why all Marines have a specific role for which they are optimally trained, in support of the overall mission.

MAKEUP OF A MEU

MAKEUP OF A MEU

A MEU, or Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the smallest type of MAGTF, often providing the most substantial response in the shortest amount of time. 2,200 Marines that are trained in hundreds of areas of expertise serve on a MEU. Here is the breakdown of a MEU's makeup:

Command Element – Approximately 200 Marines. Responsible for command and control of the entire MEU.

Ground Combat Element – Approximately 1,200 Marines. A Battalion Landing Team that includes three rifle companies, a weapons company, a battery of artillery and platoons of the following: combat engineers, light armored reconnaissance, tanks, Force Reconnaissance and amphibious assault vehicles.

Aviation Combat Element – Approximately 500 Marines. A MEU's ACE is built around a medium tilt-rotor squadron, reinforced by CH-53E heavy lift helicopters, light attack helicopters and Harrier attack jets. The result is a squadron of 25 to 30 aircraft.

Logistics Combat Element – Approximately 300 Marines. Provides supply, transportation, maintenance and additional support for the MEU.

READY AT SEA

READY AT SEA

MEUs deploy aboard an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG): Three naval ships specifically designed to provide the Marines with a mobile base of operations. See here what serving aboard a MEU entails.