SEPARATE TASK ORGANIZATIONS Although there are always four major elements within a MAGTF, separate task organizations required to perform combat support or combat service support functions may be formed. Naval Construction Force Units come under this type of organization. Under these circumstance, the NCF is OPCON (see Glossary) to the MAGTF commander within the Command Element (fig. 1-3).

TYPES OF MAGTFs The type of MAGTF Seabees would be supporting is dictated by the contingency. The three types of MAGTFs are as follows:

. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

l Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward (MEF-F) . Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)

MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (MEU) The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a task organization that is normally commanded by a colonel and is capable of performing combat operations of a limited scope. The MEU is the air-ground team organization that is normally used for routine, forward afloat, and deployment requirements. The MEU provides an immediate reaction capability to crises and, when committed, is normally supported from its sea base. Normally, an Air Det from a Seabee battalion is assigned to an MEU (fig. 1-4).

The MAGTFs elements for a MEU are as follows:

Figure 1-3.- MAGTF command relationships.

Figure 1-4.- MEU command relationships. 1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): Normally, a from the force service support group (FSSG) with battalion landing team (BLT). Only under unusual appropriate attachments from division and wing assets. cinnunstances would the GCE consist of two BLTs.

2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE): Normally, a MARINE EXPEDITIONARY composite helicopter squadron. However, in certain FORCE-FORWARD (MEF-F) instances, the ACE may consist of an attack squadron, a helicopter squadron, and elements of an observation The Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward squadron. (MEF-F) (formerly called Marine Expeditionary Brigade [MEB]) is a task organization that is normally

3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): commanded by a brigadier general. An MEF-F is Within an MEU, normally called a service support capable of conducting operations in low-and group (MSSG). The MSSG is task-organized primarily mid-intensity conflict environments. During potential crises, the MEF-F maybe forward deployed afloat for an extended period to provide immediate response. Under these conditions, MEF-F combat operations may be supported from the sea base, facilities ashore, or a combination of the two. The MEF-F is normally organized to wcomplish a mission of limited scope and an NMCB is normally assigned to an MEF-F. The MAGTFs elements of an MEF-F are as follows:

1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): Normally, the GCE is a regimental landing team (RLT).

2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Normally, the ACE is a Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) that can provide all of the functions of Marine aviation. Unlike the MEU, the Aviation Combat Element of the MEF-F is organized and equipped for early establishment ashore. Should the landing area not contain suitable airfields, an expeditionary airfield will be developed using assets organic to the MEF-F.

3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): The CSSE is a brigade service support group (BSSG). The BSSG is task-organized primarily from the force service support group (FSSG) with appropriate attachments from division and wing assets.

MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (MEF)

The Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the largest of the MAGTF, has many variations in its task organization structure. It is commanded by either a major general or a lieutenant general, depending on its size and mission. The MEF can conduct a wide range of amphibious and ashore operations. An MEF can be tailored for any intensity of combat and to any geographic environment. The CEC officer attached to the Command Element, engineer staff, is the liaison between the MEF engineer staff and NCF units (fig. 1-5).

The regiments will be OPCON to the MEF's Command Element and all other NCF units will be OPCON to the regiments (fig. 1-6).

The MAGTFs elements of an MEF are as follows: 1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): The GCE is usually a Marine division with the appropriate combat units. Certain situations may require more than one GCE in the task organization, conceivably up to two reinforced Marine divisions.

2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE): The ACE is usually a Marine Aircraft Wing task organized to conduct all types of tactical air operations. The element is designed for operations in an expeditionary environment. Certain situations may require more than one ACE in the task organization, conceivably up to two Marine Air Wings (MAWs).

3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): The CSSE is the force service support group (FSSG) with appropriate attachments from division and wing assets.