Marine Expeditionary Brigades: The Time is Now

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Abstract : The United States' premier expeditionary force in readiness is arguably the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has been winning battles for over 225 years, and, perhaps understandably so, has developed a resistance to organizational change. Today's emerging security environment is replete with increasingly capable non-state actors and global instability. This environment, combined with tremendous pressure to transform, requires all services to conduct a comprehensive self-analysis in order to identify their role in the future fight, and how they can best evolve holistically to contribute as part of the Joint Force Commander's (JFC) operational concept. Today's emerging threat includes increasingly capable non-state actors attempting to destabilize nations or whole regions in their fight for autonomy. Nation states are losing central control over the affairs of their countries, and increasing globalization is creating international interdependence. Marine Corps operational concepts have been developed which account for this emerging security environment, and the Marine Corps' core competencies are as relevant as ever. The Corps' niche will continue to be as an expeditionary force in readiness, conducting forcible entry in the littoral region as part of the Joint Force Commander's operational concept. The Marine Expeditionary Brigade is the recommended force in both size and composition for seabased power projection in the coming era. The MEB is not a standing organization in the USMC. It is imbedded in the MEF. MEBs currently train only in a time-constrained environment once established or en route to the objective. They enjoy none of the benefits of permanent organizations. Yet, they are identified in both the Marine Corps and Navy operational concepts as the centerpiece of seabased power projection. Marine divisions, aircraft wings, and force sThe Marine Corps should organize it