II MEF performs large-scale 'function check'

[thedrifter]

II MEF performs large-scale 'function check'
Submitted by: MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification Number: 2003122291610
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew D. Pomykal



CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(Dec. 22, 2003) -- "To focus our Corps' intellectual and physical might - our efforts and actions will revolve around two touchstones; warfighting excellence and the well-being of our Marines." - Gen. Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Recently, the II Marine Expeditionary Force commanding generals and more than 150 of their staff officers completed the first portion of MEFEX '04. It's a multi-phase exercise that includes extensive study and practical application of warfighting techniques that will guarantee future battlefield wins, according to Lt. Gen. H. P. Osman, II MEF commanding general.

Helping to lead the charge to Baghdad earlier this year were II MEF Marines who encountered fierce resistance in An Nasiriyah, in south-central Iraq. They were organized as a lighter Marine Expeditionary Brigade - a smaller version of the MEF - yet supported by aviation and artillery fire normally associated with the larger unit.

Whether in force or brigade composition, this method of warfighting organization is termed a "Marine Air/Ground Task Force" - an orchestrated and routinely practiced competency through which the Corps has heightened its reputation for mission accomplishment.

To that end, the Corps' three MEF units are required to undergo an evaluation by former MEF commanders and other experts to determine mission readiness and further the inherent intricacies of, as simply stated by one senior Marine leader, "kicking the enemy's butt."

"Every individual unit has core competencies. The MEF is no exception," said Osman. "This exercise teaches procedures that allow for proper planning that when applied to any contingency will result in early success."

He broadly described the competencies to include planning, execution and operation assessment.

Subsequent MEFEX phases scheduled are post-holiday Operational Planning Team training and a command post exercise beginning in late February.

"This exercise concentrates on fundamentals of MAGTF [pronounced MAG-TAFF] capabilities and operations. It's basic meat and potatoes with an amphibious flavor to gain and maintain those core competencies," said Col. Robert L. Hayes III, II MEF operations officer.

Trainers from the Quantico, Va., - based MAGTF Staff Training Program, are augmented by retired Marine generals who serve as mentors to the MEF's senior commanders. The MEFEX '04 panel includes former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Richard I. Neal, Lt. Gen. George R. Christmas, Lt. Gen. Bruce B. Knutson Jr., and Lt. Gen. Gary S. McKissock. They will assess the evolution overall and specifically the command, ground, aviation and combat service support components respectively.

The senior mentors provide guidance and develop the operation planning team, said Osman. "Their experience is invaluable."

The MEF has also fielded a team of its own evaluators that, according to Hayes, will perform an internal review during MEFEX '04 to ensure that training objectives are met and develop a plan to correct deficiencies.

Hayes listed five essential MEF tasks that participants are intently studying: planning; MAGTF fires (aviation, naval surface and artillery); command and control; information operations (strategic influence directed toward enemy leaders to disrupt or sway battlefield decisions); and an operational assessment that provides a commander comprehensive insight on mission results. Other elements under review are deployment of force reconnaissance and logistics.

As these MEF-level training exercises are a priority of the commandant, Gen. Hagee participates in the review process, issuing his personal "stamp of approval."

"The commandant considers this his 'number one priority,'" said Osman.

Also scrutinizing the exercise are the Commander of Marine Forces Atlantic Lt. Gen. Martin R. Berndt, Marine headquarters senior officials and other combatant leaders in Central, European and Southern commands to which II MEF has forces engaged.

"We're globally committed," remarked Osman. "The sun never sets on II MEF."

MEFEX '04 is scheduled for completion in March.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2...82?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger

[thedrifter]

Marine Forces Pacific general visits base
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 2003121923241
Story by Cpl. Jose L. Garcia



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Corps' senior Marine for the entire Pacific region toured Camp Pendleton last week to tell Marines here they're a force second to none and that soon their talent will be called upon again.

Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson, commander of U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, visited Marines across the region in his first tour since taking the post in August.

"I'm coming to Camp Pendleton, Miramar, Yuma, and Twentynine Palms this week as part of my first official visit in my new job to see the Marines here in these four bases," Gregson said.

He said he wanted to thank the Marines and their families for what they've accomplished during Operation Iraqi Freedom and to talk about future deployments in the next phase of OIF.

"I got to tell you, I have nothing but the highest admiration for the mission orientation, dedication and the attitude of the Marines and their families who somehow seem to understand the seriousness of the situation facing the nation," Gregson said, "and are willing to come back from deployment, spend a few months at home and turn right back around and go back on another deployment again.

"It really is extraordinary," the general said.

In OIF, the Marines fought their way from near the Kuwait-Iraq border all the way to Baghdad and Tikrit and were deeply involved in stabilizing southern Iraq.

Still, Gregson recognized that many of those Marines who recently returned from deployments will depart again soon. Exact units are yet to be announced.

"We have various plans," Gregson said. "This has being one of the dynamic planning environments where plans seem to change nearly every 24 hours, so I can't give you a rock solid list of who's going at the moment."

He added that while major combat operations are over, the security and stability needed in Iraq to allow democracy to thrive will be a central part of the Marines' mission. He also stated there's a lot of work to be done with civil institutions and emphasized the importance of reopening schools.

"It's exceptionally important -- the restarting of business, re-modification to the economy, (getting) the agricultural sector started again and, most importantly, to work with the local Iraqi authorities to re-establish the security sector," Gregson said. "It's a matter of building those security and economic institutions of civil rights that allow things to go forth."

Gregson also addressed the Marines and sailors who missed out on past and present deployments.

"Need not worry, there will be more deployments and there will be plenty of ample opportunities for people to put additional awards under their sea service deployment ribbon," he said.

Gregson stressed the importance of mission accomplishment in Iraq. He said it will take a lot of work side by side with community members.

"The people whose lives are affected, by both the war and by our presence -- they have to see that by our presence, their welfare is getting a little bit better every day."

Gregson said he hopes Marines can facilitate the creation of marketplaces, work with villagers, reopen schools and find some way to get the normal trappings of life like sports, economics and agriculture going again.

He said the hallmark of the Marines' success would be if they weren't needed any longer in Iraq.

"If the police force comes forward and replaces Marines, soldiers, sailors or airman ... that's an indication of success," Gregson said.

Gregson also visited the Corporals Course in Del Mar to congratulate the staff and tell noncommissioned officers about the course's importance.

"Congratulations on becoming corporal. That's a big step," Gregson told the Marines. "Welcome to a leadership class and the fact that we will be putting a lot of demands on you."

He also asked the NCOs to take one giant step away from being non-rated and become somebody whom seniors depend on to take care of and direct other people.

He said that leadership will be relied upon in upcoming deployments.

"Strong NCO leadership -- that we will be relying upon down there where the rubber meets the road to make sure that the junior Marine, the folks that don't have the experience you have, do those things that are right," Gregson said. "This is a critical time. The nation needs the Marines."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2...44?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger