New World Order Part 1:
US Marine Corp

S-2 Intelligence

by Greg Novak

Armies of the New World Order Part 1: US Marine Corps by Greg Novak

Yes, I know that George Bush is no longer in charge--and that it's not a kinder and more gentle America. And I know that the "New World Order" is no longer a term in vogue, though I must confess to liking it and those thousand points of light. Anyway, as part of an update of information on modern forces, may I present...

The USMC is rather unique in today's world in that it is one of the few armies that can claim ownership of its air force. It is officially organized in three active divisions and one reserve division, but rarely serves as such. Instead the USMC forms special groups that are a mixture of ground, air, and supply elements as needed to carry out the assignment given. These formations are:

Marine Expeditionary Unit: Built around a battalion of infan- try, it will usually be reinforced by a platoon from each of the divisions battalions, as well as a battery of artillery. In addition, one reinforced helicopter squadron will be attached (including on some occasions a detachment of AV-8B Harriers), as well as a service support group able to provide the needed logistical support.

Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) are numbered 11, 13, and 15 for the Pacific, and 22, 24, and 26 for the Atlantic.

Marine Expeditionary Brigade: Built around a regiment of infantry, it will be reinforced by a company from each of the divisions' battalions, as well as at least a battalion of artillery. A Marine aircraft group will be attached, with attack, helicopter, and antiaircraft assets. A brigade service support group able to provide the needed logistical support for the entire formation is attached as well.

Marine expeditionary brigades (MEBs) are numbered 1, 5,7, and 9 for the Pacific, and 4 and 6 for the Atlantic.

Marine Expeditionary Force: Built around a complete division, it is supported by an entire air wing. A force service support group able to provide the needed logistical support for the entire formation is attached as well.

Marine expeditionary forces (MEFs) are numbered I and III for the Pacific, and II for the Atlantic.

As these commands are modified and changed to suit the conditions that they will be operating under, there is no exact TO&E for each. In the Gulf War, a second Marine tank battalion was added to each of the Marine Divisions present. A Marine Expeditionary Unit could have less than a full-strength battalion, or be reinforced by amtracs or LAV's-again depending on its mission. In the Gulf War, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force ended up with both the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions attached.

However, we can provide the organization for a Marine division, and allow you to build MEUs, MEBs, and MEFs as you see fit.

MARINE DIVISION
All Elements: Veteran, Morale 10

Headquarters Battalion, with:

    Division Headquarters, with:
      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      1 staff radio HMMWV
      1 support stand
      1 HMMWV

    Service Company, with:

      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      2 support stands
      1 medium truck withfield kitchen
      1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
      1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

    Headquarters Company, with:

      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      4 support stands
      1 medium truck
      1 medium truck withfield kitchen
      1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
      1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

    Communications Company, with:

      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      2 support stands
      1 medium repair truck with trailer
      (provides staff stands for the division)

    Truck Company, with:

      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      2 support stands
      1 maintenance truck with trailer
      6 medium supply trucks with trailers

    Military Police Company, with:

      1 command stand
      2 MP patrol stands
      1 MP sentry stand
      3 HMMWVs

3 Infantry Regiments, each with:

    Regimental Headquarters, with:
      Headquarters Company, with:
        1 command stand
        1 HMMWV
        1 staff radio HMMWV
        1 support stand
        1 HMMWV

      Service Company, with:

        1 5-ton supply truck with trailer
        1 command stand
        1 HMMWV
        2 support stands
        1 medium truck withfield kitchen
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      Antitank Platoon, with:

        1 command stand
        1 HMMWV
        6 HMMWVs with TOWs

    3 Infantry Battalions, each with:

      Headquarters Company, with:
        1 command stand
        1 recon infantry stand
        1 HMMWV
        1 HMMWV with Mk-19 40mm stand
        1 staff radio HMMWV
        2 support stands
        1 HMMWV with field kitchen
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      Weapons Company, with:

        1 command stand
        2 81mm mortar stands (ds)
        6 Dragon teams
        1 Mk-19 40mm/HMG stand (ds)

      3/4 Infantry Companies, each with:
      1 command stand
      3 infantry stands
      1 weapons stand

NOTES

1. The weapons company can have either a Mk-19 40mm stand or an HMG stand.

2. Both 3 and 4 Company Rifle Battalions are authorized, depending upon the mission given to the unit.

Artillery Regiment, with:

    Regimental Headquarters, with:
      Headquarters Company, with:
        1 command stand
        1 HMNMV
        1 staff radio truck
        3 5-ton supply trucks with trailers
        2 support stands
        1 medium truck withfield kitchen
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

    4 Artillery Battalions, each with:

      Headquarters Company, with:
        1 command stand
        1 HMNWV
        1 HMMWV TOC
        3 FO stands
        3 HMMWVs
        1 M578 ARV
        2 support stands
        1 HMMWV with field kitchen
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      3 Firing Batteries, each with:

        1 command stand
        1 F[MMWV
        1 gun crew stand (ds)
        1 towed M198 155mm howitzer
        1 5-ton truck
        1 5-ton truck with trailer

NOTES

1. Each Marine artillery regiment maintains 48 105 howitzers for contingencies.

2. The 10th and 11th Artillery Regiment have four battalions each, the 12th Artillery has three battalions.

3. Marine FOs may also spot for attached shipboard artillery.

Reconnaissance Battalion, with:

    Headquarters Company, with:
      1 command stand
      1 HMMWV
      1 support stands
      1 HMMWV withfield kitchen
      1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

    4 Infantry Companies, each with:

      1 command stand
      3 recon infantry stands
      3 HMMWVs

Tank Battalion, with:

    Battalion Headquarters, with:
      1 command M-60A1
      1 HMMWV
      1 staff radio truck
      2 5-ton supply trucks with trailers
      1 M88A1 ARV
      2 support stands
      1 medium truck with field kitchen
      1 maintenance truck with trailer
      1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
      1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      3-4 Tank Companies, each with:

        1 command M-60A1
        2 M-60Als

      Antitank Company, with:

        Company Headquarters, with:
          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV
          2 supply HMMWVs

        3 Antitank Platoons, each with:

          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV
          6 HMMWVs with TOWs

    NOTES
    1. The 1st Tank Battalion has four tank companies and one antitank company.
    2. The 2nd Tank Battalion has four tank companies and one antitank company.
    3. The 3rd Tank Battalion has three tank companies and one antitank company.
    4. The 1st Armored Assault Battalion has two tank companies.
    5. In the Gulf War, 4th Marine (Reserve) Tank Battalion had the M1.
    6. By mid-summer 1992,221 M1A1s were to be turned over to the USMC for assignment to the above units. The M60A1 is to be kept for special service.

    Armored Assault Battalion, with:

      Battalion Headquarters, with:
        1 command AAVC1
        1 staff radio truck
        3 5-ton supply trucks with trailers
        1 AAVP-7
        2 support stands
        1 HMMWV with field kitchen
        1 maintenance truck with trailer
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      2-4 Armored Assault Companies, each with:

        1 command AAVC1
        10 AAVP-7

    NOTES
    1. The 1st Armored Assault Battalion has two armored assault companies.
    2. The 2nd Armored Assault Battalion has four armored assault companies.
    3. The 3rd Armored Assault Battalion has four armored assault companies.

    Combat Engineer Battalion, with:

      Headquarters Company, with:
        1 command stand
        1 HMMWV
        1 staff radio truck
        2 support stands
        1 medium truck withfield kitchen
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      Engineer Support Company, with:

        1 command stand
        1 HMMWV
        3 engineer stands
        3 engineer stands
        7 5-ton trucks with ribbon bridge sections
        4 T-5 bulldozers
        3 tractors
        2 cranes
        2 5 ton supply trucks with trailers
        6 medium dump trucks

      4 Combat Engineer Companies, each with:

        1 command stand
        3 engineer stands
        3 HMMWVs
        1 line charge trailer

    Light Armored Infantry Battalion, with:

      Battalion Headquarters, with:
        1 command LAV-25
        1 staff radio LAV
        2 LAV-Ms
        4 LAV-TOWs
        2 LAV-Ls
        1 LAV-R
        2 support stands
        1 HMMWV with field kitchen
        1 maintenance truck with trailer
        1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      4 Light Armored Infantry Companies, each with:

        1 command LAV-25
        2 recon LAV-25s
        1 recon infantry stand

    NOTES

    1. Currently, the Light Armored Infantry Battalion has a headquarters company, a weapons company, and three light armored infantry companies. The above organization is the one that is to replace it.

    2. The USMC feels that the above organization will need the addition of 24 LAV-AAs (not yet built), and 27 LAV-105s (again, not yet built). There are no details as to where they will fit in the above organization.

USMC Air Forces

As mentioned, the USMC has its own air force. Each Marine division has an attached aircraft wing to provide air support and AA protection. (Under the current setup, Marine air defense units are part of the Marine air wing, and are detached to serve with the ground elements.) There are three active air wings, and one reserve. In theory, each air wing has the following elements (Aircraft and AA elements only):

Air Wing

    Air Support Squadron, with:
      Squadron Headquarters, with:
        1 command stand
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      2 MEB Detachments, each with:

        4 FAC stands
        4 HMMWVs
        1 support stand
        1 maintenance truck with trailer
        1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      Aerial Refueller Squadron, with:

        3 KC-130s

      Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, with:

        4 EA-6Bs

      Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, with:

        Battalion Headquarters, with:
          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV

        Headquarters and Service Battery, with:

          2 support stands
          1 HMMWV withfield kitchen
          1 maintenance truck with trailer
          1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

        2 Firing Batteries, each with:

          Headquarters, with:
            1 command stand
            1 HMMWV
            3 Platoons, each with:
            3 Stinger teams
            3 HMMWVs

      Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion, with:

        Battalion Headquarters, with:
          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV

        Headquarters and Service Battery, with:

          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV
          2 support stands
          2 radar trailers
          2 5-ton trucks
          2 5-ton ammo trucks with trailers
          2 support stands
          1 HMMWV with field kitchen
          1 maintenance truck with trailer
          1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
          1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

        2 Firing Batteries, each with:

          1 command stand
          1 HMMWV
          2 gun crew stands (ds)
          2 IHAWK launchers (towed)
          2 5-ton trucks
          2 support stands
          1 HMMWV with field kitchen
          1 maintenance truck with trailer
          1 5-ton baggage truck with trailer
          1 5-ton general supply truck with trailer

      3 Aircraft Groups (Fighter/Attack), each with:

        2 Attack Squadrons, each with 5 AV-8Bs
        2 Fighter/Attack Squadrons, each with 3 F/A-18s
        All-Weather Attack Squadron, with 3 A-6Bs
        Aircraft Group (Helicopter), each with:
          Observation Squadron, with:
          3 OV-10 FACs

        Light/Attack Squadron, with:

          3 AH-1s
          3 UH-1s

        3 Medium Squadrons, each with 3 CH-46Es
        2 Heavy Squadrons, each with 4 CH-53 D/Es

    NOTES
    1. FAC stands are normally attached to other Marine units. Each MEU is usually assigned one.
    2. One LAAD platoon is assigned to an MEU. One LAAD Battery is assigned to an MEB.
    3. The IHAWK Battalion is set up to allow a battery the ability to deploy in support of an MEB.
    4. The All-Weather Attack Squadron is due to be replaced with a Fighter/Attack Squadron (all-weather), flying the F/A-18.

Force Service Support Group

In addition to the units listed above, each Marine division has a corresponding force service support group of almost 10,000 men, which provides logistical services through the following:

Force Service Support Group, with:

    Headquarters Battalion
    Maintenance Battalion
    Supply Battalion
    Engineer Support Battalion
    Landing Support Battalion
    Motor Transport Battalion
    Medical Battalion
    Dental Battalion

MEUs are usually allotted a platoon from each formation for their service support group. MEBs are allotted a company from each formation, while the MEF is allotted one force service support group per division in the force.

Last of all, each MEF is allotted the series of a surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence group, better known as a SRIG. Elements of a SRIG are assigned as needed, and include the following:

Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group, with:

    Headquarters
    Headquarters and Service Company
    Radio Battalion
    Communications Battalion
    ANGLICO
    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company
    Intelligence Company
    Force Recon Company, with:
      1 command stand
      1 support stand
      5 recon infantry stands

    NOTES
    1. All stands in the force recon platoon are mountain parachute scuba trained.
    2. The ANGLICO (Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) exists for providing naval and air fire support to non-Marine units, i.e., US Army and other Allied nations.

    My copy of the FMFRP-1 was dated March 2, 1992. I will be interested in any changes that our readers might know of since that date.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fleet Marine Force Organization, 1992: FMFRP 1-11, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. Washington, March 1992.

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© Copyright 1993 by Greg Novak.
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