Marine Corps Commandant Extols Benefits of 'Expeditionary' Force.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Brief Article

The Marine Air Ground Task Force "provides I our nation a unique military capability," said commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones. "It's tested and proven in various contingencies, from peacekeeping, peaceful engagement, peace enforcement, to major theater war," Jones said at a sea power forum on Capitol Hill.

"To Marines, the term 'expeditionary' describes a pervasive mindset that influences all aspects, doctrine, organization, training and equipment. It is an agile and flexible force organized to accomplish a broad range of military objectives, in a foreign country or region.

Such a force must be able to deploy rapidly, enter the objected area through enforceable means if necessary, sustain itself for an extended period of time, withdraw quickly and reconstitute rapidly to execute follow-on missions. The three standard Marine Air Ground Task Force configurations--the Marine expeditionary unit, the brigade and the Marine expeditionary force--all possess the capabilities required for expeditionary operations."

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