AVIATION ORDNANCE
Marines in Aviation Ordnance handle all ammunition, including missiles, fuses, detonators and rockets. They are responsible for the acquisition, safety, storage, buildup, delivery and subsequent loading and unloading of ammunition onto aircraft.
Initial Training
Marines in this field will complete the Aviation Ordnanceman Class in Pensacola, FL, followed by courses specific to their aircraft assignment.
Within the MEU
Aviation Ordnance Technicians maintain weapon readiness by acquiring, inspecting, installing and maintaining the armaments on Marine Corps aircraft.
Specialties in Aviation Ordnance include:
- Aircraft Ordnance Technician: Inspects, maintains and repairs armament equipment, and loads aviation ordnance onto aircraft.
- Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician: Accounts for, stows, tests, maintains, assembles and transports airborne armament equipment.
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
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
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.
