Download or read book Can the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Enable A Marine Expeditionary Brigade?. written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The capabilities of the MEU(SOC) may limit its ability to enable an Amphibious Task Force (ATF) MEB, but it is fully capable of enabling both a Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) MEB and an Air Contingency Force (ACF) MEB. The MEU(SOC) program has been under attack for many years by those who believe it has become too SOC-centric. When the Commandant announced that the Marine Corps would reestablish the MEB, the critics renewed their attacks on the MEU(SOC) program, stating that it was not capable of conducting enabling missions in support of the MEB. An examination of the three types of MEBs (Air Task Force, Maritime Prepositioning Force, and Amphibious Task Force) was conducted and requirements unique to each MEB were identified. These requirements where compared with the capabilities of the MEU(SOC) and deficiencies were noted. Concurrently, deficiencies were noted in the ability of the Marine Corps and Navy to support amphibious operations. The author concludes that the MEU(SOC) is adequately trained and capable of enabling an ACF or MPF MEB, provided that support is allocated to ensure naval and air superiority. The MEU(SOC) has difficulty supporting an ATF MEB enabling mission. The major deficiency associated with supporting the ATF enabling mission is the MEU(SOC)'s limited ability to conduct forcible entry on a defended beach. Without the ability to provide a lodgment for the MEB, the MEU's capability is limited to conducting preassault shaping and reconnaissance operations. Capability deficiencies extended beyond the MEU(SOC) and included significant deficiencies in the capabilities of the Marine Corps and Navy to support amphibious operations.