ABSTRACT
The pattern of innovation in the two cases that follows is sustaining in nature. The Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) is the standard forward-deployed Marine expeditionary organization, which when deployed ashore has sustainment for 15 days.1 As with all MAGTF organizations, the MEU(SOC) has a standing command element, ground element, air element, and logistics element. Being special operations capable, the MAGTF undergoes intensive predeployment training in specialized demolition operations, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, raids, and in extremis hostage recovery.2
The Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) consists of three squadrons of four or five multipurpose vessels each, maintained at strategic locations around the globe so as to be within a few days’ steaming of any potential hot spot.
