An Analysis of the Twenty-One Missions of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
This study examines and analyzes the current status of the Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, or MEU(SOC) program. A detailed analysis was conducted of each of the 21 missions for validity and relevance as MEU(SOC) missions. The methodology used in conducting the research included the issuing of 125 survey questionnaires to Marine Corps field grade officers. This survey asked the respondents to rank each mission in order of importance to the Marine Corps, and comment on its inclusion as a MEU(SOC) mission. The study found that only four of the 21 missions warranted inclusion as truly special operations missions. The study recommended that the remaining 17 missions be deleted from the list of MEU(SOC) missions and be re-named as MAGTF capabilities. This recommendation was based upon their not meeting a series of four established criteria. The missions that were recommended to be retained as MEU(SOC) missions were: (1) in-extremis hostage rescue, (2) tactical and clandestine recovery operations, (3) maritime interdiction operations, and (4) gas and oil platform seizure operations. Special Operations, Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEUSOC), Amphibious raid
eBook, English, 03 JUN 1994
Defense Technical Information Center, Ft. Belvoir, 03 JUN 1994