The United States Marine Corps is the largest such force on the planet, and yet it is the smallest, most elite section of the U.S. military, one with a long and storied history. Here, in the most current version of the manual used by the Corps itself, is the Marine guide to winning in combat. Learn battle-tested techniques for: . tactical indecisiveness . exploiting the environment . developing an ambush mentality . anticipation and improvisation . maintaining combat discipline . building on advantage . and more. Military buffs, war-gamers, and anyone seeking to understand the role the American military is playing on an increasingly complicated global stage will find this a fascinating and informative document.
By, For, and About Marines is a nonfiction collection of notable quotes giving voice to U.S. Marines throughout its storied and illustrious history. Each quote is set in historical context to give the reader a better understanding of where, when, and why the quote is included.
The United States Marine Corps is the largest such force on the planet, and yet it is the smallest, most elite section of the U.S. military, one with a long and storied history. Here, in the most current version of the manual used by the Corps itself, the operational capabilities and strategies of the Marines are covered in great detail. Discover. . the role and function of the Marines . the Corps' warfighting culture and dynamic decision-making . the roles and responsibilities of Marines of all ranks . battlespace organization . how logistics and planning are carried out by the Marines . offensives and defensive tactics . the Marines' role in combating terrorism, proferring humanitarian assistance, aiding civil authorities, and other non-warfare operations . and much, much more. Military buffs, war-gamers, and anyone seeking to understand how American armed services are being deployed in the ever-changing arena of modern warfare will find this a fascinating and informative document.
The United States Marine Corps is the largest such force on the planet, and yet it is the smallest, most elite section of the U.S. military, one with a long and storied history. Here, in the most current version of the manual used by the Corps itself, is an introduction to the fundamental nature of military strategy. Learn. . the nature of politics and war . strategic constants and norms . adapting ends to means, and vice versa . defensive and offensive strategies . evaluating opposing strategies . strategy-making pitfalls . and more. Military buffs, war-gamers, and anyone seeking to understand the increasingly complicated global stage will find this a fascinating and informative document.
This is the first of a series of nine chronological histories being prepared by the Marine Corps History and Museums Division to cover the entire span of Marine Corps involvement in the Vietnam conflict. This particular volume covers a relatively obscure chapter in U.S. Marine Corps history—the activities of Marines in Vietnam between 1954 and 1964. The narrative traces the evolution of those activities from a one-man advisory operation at the conclusion of the French-Indochina War in 1954 to the advisory and combat support activities of some 700 Marines at the end of 1964. As the introductory volume for the series this account has an important secondary objective: to establish a geographical, political, and military foundation upon which the subsequent histories can be developed.
A veritable classic about discipline, teamwork and leadership, Warfighting (MCDP1) is clear, concise and to the point, the book boldly explains the code of conduct and moral quality of a Marine. Whether you are in the military, a business person, project manager or a mother of three, this book will help you achieve your goals without toiling more than necessary. No recipes, just attitude. The message delivered, if taken as a how-to-book, empowers the reader to plan, fearlessly expect the unexpected and, finally, "get things done". It views man (here meaning the "human being") as the most valuable element and views "mistakes or imperfections" as virtues when properly harnessed. It is a book of strategy and one that will point out the value of each and every one of us. Not a book to be read once, but to be cherished and re-read many times and to be passed on to generations to come.
This is the sixth volume in a planned nine-volume operational and chronological series covering the Marine Corps ' participation in the Vietnam War. A separate functional series will complement the operational histories. This volume details the change in United States policy for the Vietnam War. After a thorough review, President Richard M. Nixon adopted a policy of seeking to end United States military involvement in Vietnam either through negotiations or, failing that, turning the combat role over to the South Vietnamese. It was this decision that began the Vietnamization of the war in the summer of 1969 and which would soon greatly reduce and then end the Marine Corps' combat role in the war. The Marines of III Marine Amphibious Force continued the full range of military and pacification activities within I Corps Tactical Zone during this period of transition. Until withdrawn, the 3d Marine Division, employing highly mobile tactics, successfully blunted North Vietnamese Army efforts to reintroduce troops and supplies into Quang Tri Province. The 1st Marine Division, concentrated in Quang Nam Province, continued both mobile offensive and pacification operations to protect the city of Da Nang and surrounding population centers. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing provided air support to both divisions, as well as other allied units in I Corps, while Force Logistic Command served all major Marine commands.
Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 3, Expeditionary Operations, establishes doctrine for the conduct of military operations by the U.S. Marine Corps. It describes the Marine Corps as an expeditionary force-in-readiness that is manned, trained, and equipped specifically to respond quickly to a broad variety of crises and conflicts across the full range of military operations anywhere in the world. It emphasizes the naval character of Marine Corps forces. This naval expeditionary character provides capabilities both to forward-deploy forces near the scene of potential crises as well as to deploy sustainable, combined arms teams rapidly by sea and air. With reduced overseas presence in terms of force levels and bases, these capabilities have become essential elements of our national military strategy. This publication also underscores the value of Marine Corps forces as a highly cost-effective option in a wide range of situations, including crises requiring forcible entry. Importantly, this publication establishes versatility and adaptability as critical capabilities in a broad range of circumstances for expeditionary forces in an uncertain world. Finally, this publication describes the Marine Corps' key expeditionary concepts. This publication is compatible with the Marine Corps' capstone doctrinal publication, MCDP 1, Warfighting.Warfighting provides the broad institutional and operating philosophy that underlies all Marine Corps expeditionary operations, regardless of echelon of command or operating setting. This publication applies that philosophy more specifically to the operations of Marine air-ground task forces (MAGTFs) and to the types of expeditionary settings in which these forces will likely be required to operate. Where MCDP 1 describes the Marine Corps' philosophy of warfighting, this publication describes the types of operations of which Marine Corps forces must be capable.
The User's Guide to Marine Corps Values is to be used as a tool to help ensure that the values of the Corps continue to be reinforced and sustained in all Marines after being formally instilled in entry level training. This document is a compendium of discussion guides developed and used by Marine Corps formal schools. The guides are part of the formal inculcation of values in young Marines, enlisted and officer, during the entry level training process. This guide is designed to be used as a departure point for discussing the topics as a continuation of the process of sustaining values within the Marine Corps. The User's Guide also serves as a resource for leaders to understand the "talk" and the "walk" expected of them as leaders. New graduates of the Recruit Depots and The Basic School have been exposed to these lessons and expect to arrive at their first duty assignments and MOS schools to find these principles and standards exhibited in the Marines they encounter. Leaders must remember that as long as there is but one Marine junior to them, they are honor bound to uphold the customs and traditions of the Corps and to always "walk the walk and talk the talk." We are the "parents" and "older siblings" of the future leaders of the Marine Corps. America is depending on us to ensure the Marines of tomorrow are ready and worthy of the challenges of this obligation. Teaching, reinforcement, and sustainment of these lessons can take place in the field, garrison, or formal school setting. Instructional methodology and media may vary depending on the environment and location of the instruction. However, environment should not be considered an obstacle to the conduct or quality of theinstruction. This guide has been developed as a generic, universal training tool that is applicable to all Marines regardless of grade. Discussion leaders should include personal experiences that contribute to the development of the particular value or leadership lesson being di
This is the second volume in a series of nine chronological histories being prepared by the Marine Corps History and Museums Division to cover the entire span of Marine Corps involvement in the Vietnam War. This volume details the Marine activities during 1965, the year the war escalated and major American combat units were committed to the conflict. The narrative traces the landing of the nearly 5,000-man 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and its transformation into the Ill Marine Amphibious Force, which by the end of the year contained over 38,000 Marines. During this period, the Marines established three enclaves in South Vietnam's northernmost corps area, I Corps, and their mission expanded from defense of the Da Nang Airbase to a balanced strategy involving base defense, offensive operations, and pacification. This volume continues to treat the activities of Marine advisors to the South Vietnamese armed forces but in less detail than its predecessor volume, U. S. Marines in Vietnam, 1954-1964, The Advisory and Combat Assistance Era.
This is the third volume in a planned 10-volume operational and chronological series covering the Marine Corps' participation in the Vietnam War. A separate topical series will complement the operational histories. This particular volume details the continue d buildup in 1966 of the III Marine Amphibious Force in South Vietnam's northernmost corps area, I Corps, and the accelerated tempo of fighting during the year . The result was an "expanding war." The III Marine Amphibious Force had established three enclaves in I Corps during 1965. Employing what they believed was a balanced strategy—base defense, offensive operations, and pacification—the Marines planned to consolidate their base areas in 1966. At the beginning of 1966, the 1st Marine Division reinforced the 3d Marine Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam. By the end of the year, the III Marine Amphibious Force had nearly doubled in size. Two separate events, however, were to dash the high hopes held by the Marines in 1966. An internal political crisis in the spring halted the Marine pacification campaign south of the large Da Nang Airbase. In July, the North Vietnamese Army launched an incursion through the Demilitarized Zone and Marines went north to counter the enemy thrust. By December 1966, Marine units were stretched thin along the 265-mile length of I Corps. As one Marine commander observed, "too much real estate—do not have enough men." Although written from the perspective of III MAF and the ground war in I Corps, the volume treats the activities of Marine advisors to the South Vietnamese Armed Forces, the Seventh Fleet Special Landing Force, and Marines on the staff of the U .S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in Saigon.
We offer this 2009 edition of Concepts and Programs as a current picture of the state of the Marine Corps. It reviews our current exercises and deployments and describes how we fight- our operating concepts and the organization of our forces. It contains our vision of the future and the strategic direction of the Marine Corps. It reflects current information on our programs of record and our major end item equipment. Finally, it includes our annual almanac, which contains a digest of facts and figures on our personnel and budget. We pride ourselves on being good stewards of the resources provided by Congress. That starts with taking care of Marines and their families-our number one priority. We offer the Nation's sons and daughters the opportunity to serve a cause greater than themselves. In the crucible of war, their performance has been magnificent. They have added new pages to the illustrious battle history of our Corps. Innovation and fiscal responsibility are hallmarks of the Corps. In our ground and aviation programs, we continue to test, develop, and pursue the procurement of dual-use equipment. We look for new ways to employ emerging technology. Our recent publication of Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025 describes a balanced, multicapable expeditionary force. To Marines, expeditionary means fast, austere, and lethal - with an emphasis on austere. We must be able to get out the door fast, deploy where there is no infrastructure, and operate with lethality. Our statutory responsibility is to be an air-ground force in readiness, capable of operating across the full range of military operations. Change is one thing that is certain about the future. Populations and demo graphics in the world will shift, and peer competitors to the United States may rise. Threats to our way of life will remain. Our enemies will adapt their tactics and techniques.
The United States Marine Corps continues to defend our Nation amidst a world of ever-increasing instability and conflict. In the rugged Helmand River Valley of Afghanistan, onboard naval amphibious ships and in countless other locations, Marines are fighting our enemies and assisting our friends. All the while, we remain poised to respond to crisis in any clime or place. As, America's Expeditionary Force in Readiness, we have a statutory responsibility to be prepared at a moment's notice to respond "as the President may direct" across the range of military operation from humanitarian assistance missions to major combat operations. Our notion of "Expeditionary” is more than a slogan. It is a state of mind that drives the way we organize our forces, how we train, and what kind of equipment we buy. This past fall, our Corps conducted a comprehensive force structure review to ensure we are optimally postured for the emerging and future security environment. The results of that detailed study will have bearing on the programs and equipment we procure, now and into the future. This edition of Concepts and Programs serves as an encyclopedic reference of all our major programs and operational concepts for 2011. This publication also includes a comprehensive Almanac, detailing demographics and other important statistics of our force.
This is the fourth volume in a planned 10-volume operational and chronological series covering the U.S. Marine Corps' participation in the Vietnam War. A separate topical series will complement the operational histories. This volume details the change in focus of the III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF), which fought in South Vietnam's northernmost corps area, I Corps. III MAF, faced with a continued threat in 1967 of North Vietnamese large unit entry across the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Vietnams, turned over the Chu Lai enclave to the U .S. Army's Task Force Oregon and shifted the bulk of its forces—and its attention—northward. Throughout the year, the 3d Marine Division fought a conventional, large-unit war against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) near the demilitarized zone. The 1st Marine Division, concentrated in Thua Thien and Quang Nam provinces, continued both offensive and pacification operations. Its enemy ranged from small groups of Viet Cong guerrillas in hamlets and villages up to formations as large as the 2d NVA Division. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing provided air support to both divisions, as well as Army and allied units in I Corps. The Force Logistic Command, amalgamated from all Marine logistics organizations in Vietnam, served all, major Marine commands. This volume, like its predecessors, concentrates on the ground war in I Corps and II I MAF's perspective of the Vietnam War as an entity. It also covers the Marine Corps participation in the advisory effort, the operations of the two Special Landing Forces of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, and the services of Marines with the staff of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. There are additional chapters on supporting arms and logistics, and a discussion of the Marine role in Vietnam in relation to the overall American effort. The nature of the war facing III MAF during 1967 forced the authors to concentrate on major operations, particularly those characterized by heavy combat. The uneven quality of the official reports submitted by combat units also played a role in selecting the materials presented in this volume. This is not meant to slight those whose combat service involved long, hot days on patrol, wearying hours of perimeter defense, an d innumerable operations, named and un-named . These Marines also endured fights just as deadly as the ones against large enemy regular units. III MAF's combat successes in 1967 came from the efforts of all Americans in I Corps.
The anthology of articles that follows was compiled by the History and Museums Division during the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the Korean Conflict, 1950-1953. The focus of the various authors who wrote these historically related works on Korea did so to remember those Marines who fought and died in what some historians sometimes characterized as the "forgotten war." Forgotten or not, the Korean conflict was without parallel in Marine Corps history and no one who experienced it or lived through this era could ever forget the difficulties that they would encounter there. The Korean War also represented a milestone in the developmental history of the Marine Corps. For perhaps what could very well be the last time, the Marine Corps made an opposed World War II style amphibious landing against a dedicated enemy. Korea was also the opening salvo in what became known as the Cold War. In reality, Korea represented the beginning of a series of "limited wars" that would be fought by the United States with the express political purpose of keeping such conflicts from developing into full blown world wars. Frustratingly for the men and women in uniform during the Cold War, political considerations frequently overrode military exigencies and logic. Having just successfully concluded a total war against an enemy whose objectives were clearly identifiable, the Korean conflict proved fraught with political twists and turns that made the military's job immensely more difficult. This was especially evident during the "stalemate" phase of the war, 1952-1953. No less bloody or violent, this period of the conflict saw the Marine Corps incur a significant number of casualties. The Korean conflict was also important for operational reasons. It was clear that from 1950 on, limited wars fought by U.S. forces would be largely "come as you are affairs." During the summer and early fall of 1950, the Marine Corps learned a valuable lesson when it had to scramble to assemble its landing force for the Inchon operation, getting the 1st Marine Division into theater in the nick of time. No longer would the United States have the luxury of time in getting forces ready for limited wars. Next, for the first time, the advent of the helicopter would play a significant role in the combat plans of Marine units in the field. Experimentation with the concept of vertical assault, using this new technology took place during the conflict. Korea would also be the first time Marines would be given personal body armor or "flak jackets" to wear in combat. Such body armor would come in handy as the war settled into a stalemate along the 38th Parallel. While Marine elements had deployed to extremely cold locations in the past such as the occupation of Iceland by the 1st Marine Brigade (Provisional) in 1941, Korea would be the first time in the modern era where the Marine Corps would have to fight in extremely cold conditions. During Korea, the Corps came away with a new appreciation for the necessity of having the proper environmental gear tested and available for use by its combat and combat support troops. In sum, Korea set the operational tone that the Marine Corps would follow for the rest of the Cold War.
This is the ninth volume in a nine-volume operational and chronological historical series covering the Marine Corps' participation in the Vietnam War. A separate functional series complements the operational histories. This volume details the final chapter in the Corps' involvement in Southeast Asia, including chapters on Cambodia, the refugees, and the recovery of the container ship SS Mayaguez. In January 1973, the United States signed the Paris Peace Accords setting the stage for democracy in Southeast Asia to test its resolve in Cambodia and South Vietnam. The result was not a rewarding experience for America nor its allies. By March 1975, democracy was on the retreat in Southeast Asia and the U.S. was preparing for the worst, the simultaneous evacuation of Americans and key officials from Cambodia and South Vietnam. With Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind, the United States accomplished that task in April 1975 using Navy ships, Marine Corps helicopters, and the Marines of the III Marine Amphibious Force. When the last helicopter touched down on the deck of the USS Okinawa at 0825 on the morning of 30 April, the U.S. Marine Corps' involvement in South Vietnam ended, but one more encounter with the Communists in Southeast Asia remained. After the seizure of the SS Mayaguez on 12 May 1975, the United States decided to recover that vessel using armed force. Senior commanders in the Western Pacific chose the Marine Corps to act as the security force for the recovery. Marines of 2d Battalion, 9th Marines and 1st Battalion, 4th Marines played a key role in the events of 15 May 1975 when America regained control of the ship and recovered its crew, concluding American combat in Indochina and this volume's history. Although largely written from the perspective of the III Marine Amphibious Force, this volume also describes the roles of the two joint commands operating in the region: the Defense Attache Office, Saigon, and the United States Support Activities Group, Thailand. Thus, while the volume emphasizes the Marine Corps' role in the events of the period, significant attention also is given to the overall contribution of these commands in executing U.S. policy in Southeast Asia from 1973 to 1975. Additionally, a chapter is devoted to the Marine Corps' role in assisting thousands of refugees who fled South Vietnam in the final weeks of that nation's existence.
This is the last volume, although published out of chronological sequence, in the nine-volume operational history series covering the Marine Corps' participation in the Vietnam War. A separate functional series complements the operational histories. This book is the capstone volume of the entire series in that 1968, as the title indicates, was the defining year of the war. While originally designed to be two volumes, it was decided that unity and cohesion required one book. The year 1968 was the year of the Tet Offensive including Khe Sanh and Hue City. These were momentous events in the course of the war and they occurred in the first three month s of the year. This book, however, documents that 1968 was more than just the Tet Offensive. The bloodiest month of the war for the U.S. forces was not January, nor February 1968, but May 1968 when the Communists launched what was called their "Mini-Tet" offensive. This was followed by a second "Mini-Tet" offensive during the late summer which also was repulsed at heavy cost to both sides. By the end of the year, the U.S. forces in South Vietnam's I Corps, under the III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF), had regained the offensive. By December, enemy-initiated attacks had fallen to their lowest level in two years. Still, there was no talk of victory. The Communist forces remained a formidable foe and a limit had been drawn on the level of American participation in the war. Although largely written from the perspective of III MAF and the ground war in I Corps, the volume also treats the activities of Marines with the Seventh Fleet Special Landing Force, activities of Marine advisors to South Vietnamese forces, and other Marine involvement in the war. Separate chapters cover Marine aviation and the single manager controversy, artillery, logistics, manpower, and pacification. Like most of the volumes in this series, this has been a cumulative history.
As we continue to train the Iraqi and Afghan security forces for taking control in their respective countries, and in light of rising economic and energy concerns, the Marine Corps faces a number of challenges in 2010. Our standing pledge to Congress remains to exercise fiscal discipline and act as good stewards of the re sources they provide while maintaining the capability to operate across the full range of military operations. As the Nation's premier expeditionary force in readiness, the Marine Corps must remain fast, austere, and lethal. In November 2009, we established the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office to analyze, develop, and direct ways in which we can gain efficiencies on the battlefield in fuel and water consumption. Our national economy is unstable and institutionally, we also face significant fiscal challenges as we look to reset the Marine Corps from operations in Iraq, support the Presidents strategy in Afghanistan, and modernize our equipment to ensure its availability and capability to meet future requirements. This edition of Concepts and Programs offers a review of our operations in 2009, underscoring how engaged America's Marine Corps has been - not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but around the world, on training exercises and in support of the engagement strategies of our country's combatant commanders. For the Marine Corps in 2010, this volume provides a snapshot of how we have structured the force to support our roadmap for the future, Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025. We intend for Concepts and Programs to also be a concise, useful reference of all our major programs. Our greatest commitment is to our Marines and their families; and as the Marine Corps Almanac shows in the last chapter, appropriations for our personnel comprise more than half of our overall budget. Our forces in Afghanistan will grow during 2010, and the high operational tempo we have experienced over the last several years will continue. As a naval expeditionary force and an elite air-ground team, the Marine Corps is ready and willing to go into harm's way on a moment's notice and do what is necessary to make our country safer - this is what America expects of her Marines. In the complex and dangerous security environment of the future, the Marine Corps stands ready for the challenges ahead.
This is the second of a series of functional volumes on the Marine Corps' participation in the Vietnam War, which will complement the nine-volume operational and chronological series also underway. This particular history examines the Marine Corps lawyer's role in Vietnam and how that role evolved. Also considered is the effectiveness of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in a combat environment. Military law functioned in Vietnam. but was it acceptably efficient and effective? There were several thousand courts-martial tried by the 400 Marine Corps lawyers who served in Vietnam. Those trials stand as testament to the Marines, officer and enlisted, who made the justice system yield results through their work, dedication, and refusal to allow the circumstances of Vietnam to deter them. Did the military justice system really work? The reader can be the judge, for both successes and failures are depicted here. This book presents a straightforward and unflinching examination of painful subjects. Marine lawyers in Vietnam came to legal grips with drug use, racism, fragging, and the murder of noncombatants, along with the variety of offenses more usually encountered. The Marine Corps can take pride in the commanders and the judge advocates who ensured that whenever those crimes were discovered they were exposed and vigorously prosecuted. There were no cover-ups; no impediments to the judge advocates who conscientiously represented the accused or the United States.
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