First to Fight in the Next Fight?: The Marine Expeditionary Brigade ...

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poised to be the first to fight the next fight, or at least the first to conduct the next expeditionary operation as the United States' force in readiness, be it security, ...
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Master of Military Studies Research Paper

19-04-2010

September 2009- April 2010

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

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FIRST TO FIGHT IN THE NEXT FIGHT?: THE MARINE EXPEDITIONARY BRIGADE AND A RETURN TO AN EXPEDITIONARY MARINE CORPS STRATEGY

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Major William G. Clester, United States Marine Corps

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USMC Command and Staff College Marine Corps University 2076 South Street Quantico, VA 22134-5068

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This paper examines the Marines Corps' place in protecting vital national interests and its approach to war today, with respect to future strategic planning and procurement and possibilities to return to its amphibious and expeditionary traditions. The purpose of this paper is to examine current policies and understand how the Marine Corps should posture itself for the future, to include the needs for a forcible entry capability and lighter Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. In order to remain amphibious and expeditionary, the Marine Corps needs to establish standing Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) headquarters by implementing simple, yet innovative, changes in the areas of manning, training, and equipping. With an increase in MEB amphibious expeditionary capabilities, Marines will be poised to be the first to fight the next fight, or at least the first to conduct the next expeditionary operation as the United States' force in readiness, be it security, engagement, or relief and reconstruction. 15. SUBJECT TERMS

Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), Amphibious Operations, Expeditionary Operations, Forcible Entry

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19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON Marine Corps University I Command and Staff College 19b. TELEPONE NUMBER (Include area code) (703) 784-3330 (Admin Office)

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI-Std Z39-18

United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College Marine Corps University 2076 South Street Marine Corps Combat Development Command Quantico, Virginia 22134-5068

MASTER OF MILITARY STUDIES

TITLE: FIRST TO FIGHT IN THE NEXT FIGHT?: THE MARINE EXPEDITIONARY BRIGADE AND A RETURN TO AN EXPEDITIONARY MARINE CORPS STRATEGY

AUTHOR: MAJOR WILLIAM G. CLESTER, USMC

AY 09-10

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