CHAPTER 1 ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE COMBAT OPERATIONS CENTER

Efficiently organized and executed command and seven primary engineer (fig. 1-1) assets spread out control operations are essential for any combat among the elements. operation to be successful. Many battles have been lost because of poor execution of command and control activities. A major reason for the success of Operation Desert Storm was the manner each unit maintained and supported a vigorous command and control structure.

A comprehensive knowledge about higher and lower echelons in the area of operations assigned to a Seabee battalion is crucial to personnel executing command and control functions. This chapter provides detailed information on the Combat Operations Center (COC). Also, described in this chapter is the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

NOTE: During combat operations, Seabee units are normally assigned to a MAGTF.

ORGANIZATION OF THE MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) A Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) is normally formed for combat operations in which substantial Marine aviation and Marine ground units participate. Trends in national strategy show that the most probable employment of MAGTFs will be in the execution of force-in-readiness missions. Accomplishment of such missions requires the employment of MAGTFs as landing forces in amphibious operations and later operations ashore. The MAGTFs must have the capability in such commitments to operate in close coordination with other U. S. Armed Forces and the forces of Allied nations. MAGTFs are characterized by operational concepts, organizational structures, equipment, and systems that are suited for employment in Navy-Marine, joint, or combined operations.

The fact that a Seabee battalion is attached to a MAGTF during combat makes it critical that you understand the MAGTF organization. No matter how large, a MAGTF consists of at least four elements with

The four elements (fig. 1-2) are as follows: . Command Element (CE) . Ground Combat Element (GCE) . Aviation Combat Element (ACE) . Combat Service Support Element (CSSE)

Figure 1-1.- Primary MAGTF Engineer Assets.

Figure 1-2.- Elements of a MAGTF organization.

COMMAND ELEMENT (CE) The Command Element (CE) is the MAGTF headquarters and is established for effective planning and execution. It extends and complements the capabilities of subordinate MAGTF elements but do not duplicate them under normal circumstances. Direct liaison among the four elements is desirable to achieve the necessary coordination required for the effective conduct of air-ground operations.

A CEC officer is attached to the Command Element, engineer staff. The CEC officer serves as an advisor to the MAGTF engineer officer on matters relating to the capabilities and employment of the Naval Construction Force. A large portion of the MAGTF Command Element is concerned with matters involving higher, adjacent, and supporting commands.

GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE) The Ground Combat Element (GCE) is a task organization tailored for the conduct of ground maneuver operations. The GCE is constructed around a combat infantry unit, and it also includes appropriate combat support and combat service support (CSS) units.

Normally, there is only one GCE in the MAGTF. A requirement for more than one GCE may occur in certain operational situations, such as joint or combined operations.

AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT (ACE) Normally, there is only one Aviation Combat Element (ACE) in a MAGTF. This element is task-organized for the conduct of tactical air operations. It includes the aviation commands (including air control agencies), combat support, and combat service support units required for the mission. The varied aviation resources of a Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) and appropriate force units provide these capabilities.

At the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward (MEF-F) level, the ACE includes both fixed-wing and helicopter assets as well as an air defense capability.

Air operations are conducted under the principle of centralized control at the MAGTF level. When the MAGTF commander assumes responsibility for control of air operations, he or she exercises control through facilities provided by the ACE. He normally appoints the commander of the ACE to act as the MAGTF tactical air commander (TAC).

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT ELEMENT (CSSE) The Combat Service Support Element (CSSE) provides the combat service support (CSS) to the MAGTF that is beyond the organic capability of the subordinate elements. Depending on the assigned mission, it is task organized to provide all of the following functions: supply, maintenance, engineer, medical/ dental, automated data processing, material-handling equipment, personal services, food services, transportation, military police, disbursing, and financial management.