111 MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTALS

Question 1

Discuss the primary function and mission of the following Marine Corps aviation
platforms:
AH-1W Cobra
Primary function:
Length:
Height:
Rotor Diameter:
Speed:
Crew:
Armament:
Mission:
features:

Answer 1

Primary function: Attack helicopter
Speed: 147 knots (169.05 miles per
hour) in basic combat attack configuration
Range: 256 nautical miles (294.4 miles)
in basic combat attack configuration
Ceiling: 18,700 feet (5703.5 meters) in
basic combat attack configuration (limited
to 10,000 feet (3050 kilometers) by
oxygen requirements)
Crew: 2 officers
Armament: One 20MM turreted cannon with 750 rounds; four external wing
stations that can fire 2.75”/5.0” rockets and a wide variety of precision guided
missiles, to include TOW/Hellfire (point target/anti-armor), Sidewinder (anti-air) and
Sidearm (anti-radar).
Mission: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point
target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and
coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft.
Provide fire support and security for forward and rear area forces.
Conduct point target/anti-armor operations.
Conduct anti-helicopter operations.
Provide armed escort, control, and coordination for assault support operations.
Control, coordinate, and provide terminal ordnance for supporting arms,
including CAS, artillery, mortars, and NGF.
Provide point and limited-area air defense from threat fixed-wing aircraft.
Conduct armed and visual reconnaissance.
Augment local SAR assets.
Maintain the capability to operate from amphibious shipping, other floating
bases, and austere shore bases as required.
Maintain the capability to operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and
under instrument flight conditions at extended ranges.
conditions.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft in all environmental
conditions.
Features: The AH-1W Super Cobra is a Marine Corps attack helicopter capable of
operating in day, night and limited visibility. The AH-1W provides enroute escort for
our assault helicopters and their embarked forces. The AH-1W is a two-place,
tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The
Cobra provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during
amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore.

Question 2

Discuss the primary function and mission of the following Marine Corps aviation
platforms:
CH-53E Super Sea Stallion
Primary function:
Length:
Height:
Rotor Diameter:
Speed:
Crew:
Armament:
Mission:
features:
Background:

Answer 2

Primary function: Transportation of
heavy equipment and supplies during the
ship-to-shore movement of an
amphibious assault and during
subsequent operations ashore.
Length: 99 feet 5 inches (2.64 meters)
Height: 28 feet 4 inches (.81 meters)
Rotor diameter: 79 feet (24.07 meters)
Speed: 172.5 miles per hour (150 knots)
Range:
Without refueling: 621 miles
With aerial refueling: indefinite
Armament: Two XM-218 .50 caliber machineguns.
Crew: 4 - pilot, copilot, crew chief, and 1st mechanic/aerial gunner
Mission: As the Marine Corps’ heavy lift helicopter designed for the transportation
of material and supplies, the CH-53E is compatible with most amphibious class
ships and is carried routinely aboard LHA (Landing, Helicopter, Assault: an
amphibious assault ship) and LHD (Landing, Helicopter, Dock: an amphibious
assault ship) type ships. The helicopter is capable of lifting 16 tons (14.5 metric
tons) at sea level, transporting the load 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles) and
returning. A typical load would be a 16,000 pound (7264 kilogram) M198 howitzer
or a 26,000 pound (11,804 kilogram) Light Armored Vehicle. The aircraft also can
retrieve downed aircraft including another CH-53E. The 53E is equipped with a
refueling probe and can be refueled in flight giving the helicopter indefinite range.
Provide combat assault transport of heavy weapons, equipment, and supplies
as a primary function.
Provide combat assault transport of troops (exclusive of initial assault wave
infantry) as a secondary function.
Conduct tactical retrieval and recovery operation for downed aircraft,
equipment, and personnel.
Conduct assault support for evacuation operations and other maritime special
operations. Provide support for FARPs.
Augment local SAR assets and provide aeromedical evacuation of casualties
from the field to suitable medical facilities or other aeromedical aircraft.
Provide airborne control and coordination for assault support operations.
Maintain the capability to deploy and conduct extended-range operations by
employing aerial refueling.
Maintain a self-defense capability from ground-to-air and air-to-air threats.
Maintain the capability to operate from amphibious shipping, other floating
bases, and austere shore bases, as required.
Maintain the capability to operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and
under instrument flight conditions at extended ranges.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft in all environmental
conditions.
Features: The CH-53E is a follow-on for its predecessor, the CH-53D.
Improvements include the addition of a third engine to give the aircraft the ability to
lift the majority of the Fleet Marine Force’s equipment, a dual point cargo hook
system, improved main rotor blades, and composite tail rotor blades. The
helicopter seats 37 passengers in its normal configuration and has provisions to
carry 55 passengers with centerline seats installed. It can carry external loads at
increased airspeeds due to the stability achieved with the dual point system.
Precision navigation is provided by an integrated global positioning system (GPS)
and augmented by the Helicopter Night Vision System Forward Looking Infrared
sensor.
Background: With four and one half hours’ endurance, the CH-53E Super Stallion
can mass combat power at long distances over rugged terrain, day or night. The
Super Stallion has established itself as the prime workhorse of the Marine Corps’
forward deployed units and has become a critical pillar in the expeditionary logistics
capability for the future The CH-53E has consistently proven its worth to the Fleet
commanders with its versatility and range. During Operation Eastern Exit two CH53Es launched from amphibious ships and flew 463 nautical miles (532.45 miles)
at night, refueling twice enroute, to rescue American and foreign allies from the
American Embassy in the civil war-torn capital of Mogadishu, Somalia in January of
1990. Two CH-53Es rescued Air Force Capt. Scott O’Grady in Bosnia in June
1995, and the aircraft has been involved in multiple non-combatant evacuations.

Question 3

Discuss the primary function and mission of the following Marine Corps aviation
platforms:
UH-1y Huey
Primary function:
Length:
Height:
Rotor Diameter:
Speed:
Crew:
Armament:
Mission:
features:

Answer 3

Primary function: Utility helicopter
Length: 57.3 feet (17.46 meters)
Height: 14.9 feet (4.54 meters)
Rotor Diameter: 48 feet (14.62 meters)
Speed: 121 knots (139.15 miles per hour)
at sea level
Range: 172 nautical miles (197.8 miles)
Crew: Officer: 2, Enlisted: 2
Armament: M-240 7.62mm machine gun
or the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun or
the GAU-17 7.62mm automatic gun. All
three weapons systems are crew-served, and the GAU-2B/A can also be controlled
by the pilot in the fixed forward firing mode. The helicopter can also carry two 7-
shot or 19-shot 2.75” rocket pods.
Mission: Airborne command and control, combat assault, medical evacuation,
maritime special operations, supporting arms control and coordination, fire support
and security for forward and rear area forces.
Provide an airborne command and control platform for CEs. Provide armed
escort for assault support operations. Provide combat assault transport of
troops, supplies, and equipment. Provide airborne control and coordination for
assault support operations. Augment local SAR assets and provide
aeromedical evacuation of casualties from the field to suitable medical facilities
or other aeromedical aircraft.
Conduct combat assault and assault support for evacuation operations and
other maritime special operations. Control, coordinate, and provide terminal
guidance for supporting arms, including CAS, artillery, mortars, and naval
gunfire (NGF).
Provide fire support and security for forward and rear area forces. Maintain a
self-defense capability from surface-to-air and air-to-air threats. Maintain the
capability to operate from amphibious shipping, other floating bases, and
austere shore bases, as required. Maintain the capability to operate at night, in
adverse weather conditions, and under instrument flight conditions at extended
ranges.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft in all environmental
conditions.
Features: The UH-1N is a twin-piloted, twin-engine helicopter used in command
and control, resupply, casualty evacuation, liaison and troop transport. The Huey
provides utility combat helicopter support to the landing force commander during
ship-to-shore movement and in subsequent operations ashore. The aircraft can be
outfitted to support operations such as command and control with a specialized
communication package (ASC-26), supporting arms coordination, assault support,
medical evacuation for up to six litter patients and one medical attendant, external
cargo, search and rescue using a rescue hoist, and reconnaissance and
reconnaissance support. The currently fielding of the 2nd generation Navigational
Thermal Imagining System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar for the UH-1N will
increase its night mission capability.

Question 4

Discuss the primary function and mission of the following Marine Corps aviation
platforms:
MV-22B Osprey
Primary function
Description
Mission
Variants:
Dimensions:
Spread: Length..
Folded: Length..
Cruise Airspeed

Planned Inventory:

Answer 4

Primary function: Assault transport of
combat troops in the initial assault waves and
follow-on stages of amphibious operations
and subsequent operations ashore.
Description: The MV-22 is a dual-piloted,
multiengine, self-deployable, medium-lift,
vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor
aircraft that provides combat assault support,
CSS, and special operations support
worldwide.
Mission: The aircraft will operate from air-capable ships, main bases ashore, and
austere forward operating locations. The MV-22 is capable of in-flight refueling,
has a 2,100 nautical mile deployment range, and can carry 24 combat-equipped
troops or a 10,000-pound external load.
Provide combat assault troop transport as a primary function.
Provide combat assault transport of supplies and equipment as a secondary
function.
Assault support for evac operations and other maritime special operation.
Provide support for mobile FARPs.
Provide airborne control and coordination for assault support operations.
Maintain a self-defense capability from ground-to-air and air-to-air threats.
Maintain the capability to operate from amphibious shipping, other floating
bases, and austere shore bases.
Maintain the capability to operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and
under instrument flight conditions at extended ranges.
Augment local SAR assets and provide aeromedical evacuation of casualties
from the field to suitable medical facilities or other aeromedical aircraft.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft in all environmental
conditions.
Variants: The CV-22 will be utilized by the Air Force and SOCOM for Special
Operations missions maintaining maximum commonality with the MV-22. Aircraft
avionics peculiar to Air Force/SOCOM unique mission requirements constitute
primary aircraft differences. The Navy will use the HV-22 for Combat Search and
Rescue and fleet logistics support
Dimensions:
Spread: Length..57’ 4”..Width..84’ 7”..Height..22’ 1
Folded: Length..63’ 0”..Width..18’ 5” Height ..18’ 1”
Cruise Airspeed
MV-22: 240 kts (258 kts)
CV-22: 230 kts
Planned Inventory:
350 MV-22 (USMC)
50 CV-22 (USAF)
48 HV-22 (USN)

Question 5

EA-6B Prowler
Primary function:
Length:
Height:
Wing Span:
Speed: Maximum .
cruise:
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Mission:
Features

Answer 5

EA-6B Prowler
Primary function: Airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) support to Fleet Marine
Forces to include; electronic attack (EA),
tactical electronic support (ES), electronic
protection (EP) and high-speed anti-radiation
missile (HARM)
Length: 59 feet (17.98 meters)
Height: 15 feet (4.57 meters)
Wing Span: 53 feet (16.15 meters)
Speed: Maximum .99 mach; cruise .72 mach
Range:
Unrefueled in combat configuration: 850
nautical miles (977.5 miles)
Refueled: unlimited (crew fatigue factor - approximately 8 hours)
Armament: ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS); USQ-113 Communications
Jammer, High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM)
Sensors: ALQ-99 On-board System (OBS), USQ-113 Communications Receiver
Crew: 4
Mission: The EA-6B’s ALQ-99 OBS is used to collect tactical electronic order of
battle (EOB) data, which can be recorded and processed after missions to provide
updates to various orders of battle. The ALQ-99 TJS is used to provide active radar jamming support to assault support and attack aircraft, as well as ground units.
Additional suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) capability is available with
the employment of HARM. The USQ-113 communications jammer can detect and
jam a wide range of communication frequencies to further degrade air defense and
ground units’ capabilities.
Conduct airborne Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Warfare (EW) support
operations.
Conduct EA in support of training of FMF units or other forces as assigned.
Process and provide mission data from tape recordings obtained on EW
missions for updating and maintaining an electronic order of battle.
Maintain the capability of operating from aircraft carriers, advance bases, and
expeditionary airfields.
Maintain the capability to operate during darkness and under all weather
conditions. Maintain the capability to deploy or conduct extended-range
operations that require aerial refueling.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft.
Features: Marine Prowlers may be land-based from prepared airfields, or operate
from expeditionary airfields (EAF). They may also be sea-based, operating from
aircraft carriers. Marine Prowlers are unique in their integration with the Tactical
Electronic Reconnaissance Processing and Evaluation System (TERPES).
TERPES provides post-mission analysis of EA-6B ES data for reporting and
updating orders of battle for EA-6B and MAGTF mission planning. It also provides
post-mission analysis of jamming and HARM employment for reporting, assessing
and storing mission data.

Question 6

AV-8B Harrier II
Primary function: .
Length:
Wing span:
Cruise speed:
Combat radius:
Close air support:
Interdiction:
Armament:
crew
Mission
features

Answer 6

AV-8B Harrier II
Primary function: Attacks and destroys surface targets under day and night
visual meteorological conditions and provides
helicopter escort.
Length: 46.3 feet (14.11 meters)
Wing span: 30.3 feet (9.24 meters)
Cruise speed: Subsonic to transonic
Ferry range: 2100 nautical miles(2416.64
miles)
Combat radius:
Close air support: 163 nautical miles
(187.45 miles) with 30 minutes time on
station.
Interdiction: 454 nautical miles (522.45 miles)
Armament: Seven external store stations, comprising six wing stations for AIM-9
Sidewinder and an assortment of air-to-ground weapons, external fuel tanks and
AGM-65 Maverick missiles; one centerline station for a DECM pod. A GAU-12
25MM six-barrel gun pod and accompanying ammunition pod can be mounted
either side of centerline and has a 300 round capacity with a lead computing optical
sight system (LCOSS).
Crew: 1
Mission: The mission of the VMA STOVL squadron is to attack and destroy
surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air
operations as may be directed. Specific tasks of the AV-8B HARRIER II include:
Conduct close air support using conventional and specific weapons
Conduct deep air support, to include armed reconnaissance and air
interdiction, using conventional and specific weapons.
Conduct offensive and defensive anti-air warfare. This includes combat air
patrol, armed escort missions, and offensive missions against enemy groundto-air defenses, all within the capabilities of the aircraft.
Be able to operate and deliver ordnance at night and to operate under
instrument flight conditions.
Be able to deploy for extended operations employing aerial refueling.
Be able to deploy to and operate from carriers and other suitable seagoing
platforms, advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, and remote tactical landing
sites.
Conduct close air support.
Conduct armed reconnaissance, air interdiction, and strikes against enemy
installations by using all types of conventional munitions that are compatible
with assigned aircraft. Conduct air defense operations within the capability of
assigned aircraft.
Maintain the capability to operate during darkness and under instrument
conditions. Maintain the capability of deployment or extended operations by
employing aerial re- fueling.
Maintain the capability to operate from aboard carriers, other suitable seagoing
platforms, expeditionary airfields, and remote tactical landing sites.
Conduct armed-escort missions in support of helicopter operations.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft on infantry weapons.
It is also capable of performing organizational maintenance on assigned
aircraft and support equipment.
Features: The AV-8B V/STOL strike aircraft was designed to replace the AV-8A
and the A-4M light attack aircraft. The Marine Corps requirement for a V/STOL light
attack force has been well documented since the late 1950’s. Combining tactical
mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat
and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well-suited to the special combat and
expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG65 Radar common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and features
common to the AV-8B Harrier II

Question 7

KC130F/R/T/J Hercules
Primary function:
Length:
Cargo compartment:
Width of Cargo compartment:
Height: Aircraft:
Cargo compartment:
Wing span:
Speed:
Range:
Landing distance:
Crew:
Mission:
Features:

Answer 7

KC130F/R/T/J Hercules
Primary function: Aerial refueling service in support of Fleet Marine Force (FMF)
air operations and provides assault air
transport of personnel, equipment, and
supplies.
Length: Aircraft: 97 feet, 9 inches (22.16
meters).
Cargo compartment: 41 feet (12.49 meters).
Width of Cargo compartment: 10feet, 3
inches (3.12 meters).
Height: Aircraft: 38 feet, 4 inches (11.68 meters).
Cargo compartment: 9 feet (2.74 meters).
Wing span: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.39 meters).
Speed: 315 knots (362.25 miles per hour).
Range: Tanker mission: 1000 nautical mile (1150 mile) radius with 45,000 pounds
of fuel (20,430 kilograms) (KC-130R/T).
Cargo mission: 2875 nautical miles (3306.25 miles) with 38,258 pounds (17,369
kilograms) of cargo (KC-130R/T) or 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or 74
litters.
Landing distance: Less than 2,600 feet.
Crew: 2 pilots, 1 navigator/systems operator, 1 flight engineer, 1 first mechanic, 1-
2 loadmasters
Mission: The KC-130 is a multi-role, multi-mission tactical tanker/transport, which
provides the support required by Marine Air Ground Task Forces.
Provide tactical aerial refueling service to FMF units.
Provide long-range aerial refueling service for air movement of FMF squadrons
when other suitable means of aerial refueling services are not readily available.
Provide assault air transport for air-landed and air-delivered troops, supplies,
and equipment when other suitable means of assault air transport are not
readily available. Provide an aircraft platform for the airborne DASC.
Provide ground-refueling service to aircraft when other suitable means of
aircraft refueling are not available.
Provide air transport service for the evacuation of casualties and
noncombatants when other means of transportation are not available. Within
the capability of assigned aircraft and equipment, maintain the capability to
operate under day, night, and all weather flying conditions; operate to/from a
logistic air head, advance base, expeditionary airfield, or tactical landing zone
in the objective area or battle area; and operate with or without the assistance
of airborne, surface, or ground controllers.
Features: The KC-130 is equipped with a removable 3,600 gallon (136.26
hectoliter) stainless steel fuel tank that is carried inside the cargo compartment
providing additional fuel when required. The two wing-mounted hose and drogue
refueling pods each transfer up to 300 gallons per minute (1135.5 liters per minute)
to two aircraft simultaneously allowing for rapid cycle times of multiple-receiver
aircraft formations (a typical tanker formation of four aircraft in less than 30 minutes). Some KC-130s are also equipped with defensive electronic and infrared
countermeasures systems. Development is currently under way for the
incorporation of interior/exterior night vision lighting, night vision goggle heads-up
displays, global positioning system, and jam-resistant radios.

Question 8

F-18A/B/C/D/G Hornet
Primary function:
Length:
Wing Span:
Cruise Speed:
Ferry Range:
Combat Radius:
Fighter Mission:
Attack Mission:
Armament: .
Crew:
Mission:
Features:

Answer 8

F-18A/B/C/D/G Hornet
Primary function: Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft under all-weather
conditions and attack and destroy surface
targets.
Length: 56 feet (17.06 meters)
Wing Span: 37.5 feet (11.43 meters)
Cruise Speed: High subsonic to supersonic
Ferry Range: Over 2,000 nautical miles
(2300 miles)
Combat Radius:
Fighter Mission: 400 nautical miles (460 miles)
Attack Mission: 575 nautical miles (661.25 miles)
Armament: Nine external wing stations, comprising two wingtip stations for an
assortment of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including AIM-7 Sparrows,
AIM-9 Sidewinders, AMRAAMs, AGM-84 Harpoons and AGM-65 Maverick
missiles; two inboard wing stations for external fuel tanks or air-to-ground stations;
two nacelle fuselage stations for Sparrows or AN/AAS-38 Forward Looking Infrared
Radar (FLIR) pods; and a center station for fuel tank or air-to-ground weapons. Airto-ground weapons include all GBU series bombs, JSOW, JDAM, Mk 80 series
general-purpose bombs, and CBU-59 cluster bombs. AN M61 20mm six-barrel gun
is mounted in the nose and has a McDonnell Douglas director gun sight.
Crew: 1-F/A-18 A/C; 2 F/A-18 B (trainer model).
Mission: Specific F/A-18A/C tasks include:
Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in conjunction with ground or airborne
fighter control under all-weather conditions.
Conduct day and night close air support under the weather.
Conduct day and night precision deep air support, under the weather. Deep air
support consists of radar search and attack, interdiction, and strikes against
enemy installations using all types of weapons compatible with assigned
aircraft.
Conduct armed escort of friendly aircraft.
Conduct day and night suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD)
Be able to operate from carriers, advanced bases, and expeditionary
airfields.
Be able to deploy or conduct extended range ops employing aerial refueling.
Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in conjunction with ground or airborne
fighter control under all weather conditions.
Maintain the capability to attack and destroy surface targets by using all types
of conventional weapons that are compatible with assigned aircraft.
Provide escort of friendly aircraft under all weather conditions.
Maintain the capability to deploy and operate from aircraft carriers and advance
bases. Conduct day and night CAS under adverse weather conditions.
Maintain the capability to deploy or conduct extended-range operations by
using aerial re-fueling.
Maintain the capability to conduct suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD)
operations.
Perform organizational maintenance on assigned aircraft.
Features: The Marine Corps F/A-18A/C strike fighter multi-mission aircraft was
designed to replace the F-4 Phantom. The F/A-18A/C Hornet is missionized for
traditional fighter, attack, and close air support roles through selection of external
pods/equipment to accomplish specific mission objectives. Any aircraft can quickly
be configured to perform either fighter or attack missions, or both, thus providing
the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander more flexibility in
employing his tactical aircraft in a rapidly changing scenario. Marine F/A18s may
be land-based from prepared airfields, or they can operate from expeditionary
airfields (EAF). They may also be sea-based, operating from the decks of aircraft
carriers.

Question 9

F-35 A/B/C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Primary function:
Length:
Wing Span:
Cruise Speed:
Ferry Range:
Combat Radius:
Armament:
Crew:
Mission:
features:

Answer 9

F-35 A/B/C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Primary function: Is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather multirole
fighter undergoing testing and final development by the United States. The fifth
generation combat aircraft is designed to
perform ground attack, aerial reconnaissance,
and air defense missions.
Length: 50.5 ft (15.67m)
Wing Span: 35 ft (10.7 m)
Cruise Speed: 1,043 knots.
Ferry Range: 1,200 nmi/ 220 km on internal
fuel.
Combat Radius: 613 nmi (1,135 km) on
internal fuel.
Armament: The F-35A is armed with a GAU22/A, a four-barrel version of the 25mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon. The cannon is
mounted internally with 182 rounds for the F-35A or in an external pod with 220
rounds for the F-35B and F-35C; the gun pod has stealth features. The F-35 has
two internal weapons bays, and external hard points for mounting up to four
underlying pylons and two near the wingtip pylons. The two outer hardpoints can
carry pylons for the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM short-range air-toair (AAM) only. The other pylons can carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM BVR AAM,
Storm Shadow cruise missile, AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile
(JASSM) cruise missile, and guided bombs. The external pylons can carry
missiles, bombs, and external fuel tanks at the expense of increased radar crosssection; thus reduced stealth. There are a total of four weapons stations between
the two internal bays. Two of these carry air-to-surface missiles up to 2,000 (910
kg) in A and C models, or two bombs up to 1,000 lb. (450 kg) in the B model; the
other two stations are for smaller weapons such as air-to-air missiles.
Crew: 1
Mission: Ground Attack, Aerial Reconnaissance and Air Defense Missions.Features: The JSF program was designed to replace the United States military F16, A-10, F/A-18 (excluding newer E/F “Super Hornet” variants) and AV-8B tactical
fighter and attack aircraft. The F-35 has three main models: F-35A conventional
takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical –landing
(STOVL) variant, and F-35C carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier
Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) variant. Be able to operate from carriers, advanced
bases, and expeditionary airfields. Be able to deploy or conduct extended range
ops employing aerial refueling.
Features: Marine F/A-18D aircraft are unique within the Department of the Navy
because the Marine Corps employs the F/A-18D as a tactical strike aircraft while
the Navy uses it as a trainer. Marine F/A-18Ds may be land-based from prepared
airfields, or they can operate from expeditionary airfields (EAF). They may also be
sea-based, operating from the decks of Navy aircraft carriers.

Question 10

LHA

Answer 10

The primary war-fighting mission of the LHA-1
Tarawa class is to land and sustain United
States Marines on any shore during hostilities.
The ships serve as the centerpiece of a multiship Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG).
Some 3,000 Sailors and Marines contribute to
a forward-deployed ARG composed of
approximately 5,000 personnel.

Question 11

LHD

Answer 11

The Wasp-class LHD is the largest amphibious
ship in the world. The LHD is an improved
follow-on to the five ship Tarawa-class LHAs;
sharing the basic hull and engineering plant.
The LHD has an enhanced well deck, enabling
it to carry three LCACs (vice one LCAC in the
LHAs). The flight deck and elevator scheme is
also improved, which allows the ship to carry
two more helicopters than its predecessor, the
LHA.

Question 12

LPD

Answer 12

The LPD 4 Austin class of ship ). The
Amphibious Transport, Dock, is used to
transport and land Marines, their equipment
and supplies by embarked landing craft or
amphibious vehicles augmented by helicopters
in amphibious assault. These ships are
configured as a flagship and provide extensive
command, control and communications
facilities to support an Amphibious Task Force
Commander and Landing Force Commander. In an amphibious assault, the ship
would normally function as the Primary Control Ship that would be responsible for
coordinating boat waves and vectoring landing craft to the beach.

Question 13

LSD

Answer 13

The primary mission of the Harpers Ferry (Cargo Variant) ship is to dock, transport and launch the Navy’s( LCAC) vessels and other amphibious craft and vehicles with crews and Marines into potential
trouble spots around the world. The ship also
has the capability to act as primary control ship
during an Amphibious Assault

Question 14

LCU

Answer 14

Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Landing craft are used by amphibious forces to
transport equipment and troops to the
shore. They are capable of transporting
tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops
from amphibious assault ships to
beachheads or piers. The use of landing
craft in amphibious assault dates from
World War II. The craft are carried
aboard amphibious assault ships to the
objective area. The mission of the LCU is
to land/retrieve personnel and equipment
(tanks, artillery, equipment, motor
vehicles) during amphibious operations.
LCU’s are scheduled to land personnel and equipment after the initial assault
waves of an amphibian operation. The LCU has the capability of sustained sea
operations for approximately seven days. Each LCU has its own galley and
berthing spaces.

Question 15

LCAC

Answer 15

The Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC)
Transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of the assault elements of the Marine Air/Ground Task Force both from ship to shore and across the beach.

The landing craft air cushion (LCAC) is a
high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious
landing craft capable of carrying a 60-75 ton
payload. Capable of operating from existing
and planned well deck ships, it is used to
transport weapons systems, equipment,
cargo and personnel from ship to shore and across the beach. The advantages of
air-cushion landing craft are numerous. They can carry heavy payloads, such as an
M-1 tank, at high speeds. Their payload and speed mean more forces reach the
shore in a shorter time, with shorter intervals between trips.

Question 16

T-AH (sealift)

Answer 16

Two Hospital Ships (Comfort and Mercy) [HSS] operated by Military Sealift
Command are designed to provide
emergency, on-site care for US
combatant forces deployed in war or
other operations. Hospital ships have
two missions:
First, to provide a mobile, flexible,
rapidly responsive afloat medical
capability to provide acute medical
and surgical care in support of
amphibious task forces, Marine
Corps, Army, and Air Force
elements, and forward deployed Navy elements.
Secondly, to provide a full-service hospital asset for use by other government
agencies involved in the support of disaster relief and humanitarian
operations worldwide.
The HSS mission in joint operations is to minimize the effects of wounds,
injuries, and disease on unit effectiveness, readiness, and morale. This mission is
accomplished by a proactive preventive medicine (PVNTMED) program and a
phased health care system (echelons of care) that extends from actions taken at
the point of wounding, injury, or illness to evacuation from a theater for treatment at
a hospital in the continental United States (CONUS). One measure of this system’s
effectiveness is its ability to save life and limb, to reduce the disease and non-battle
injury (DNBI) rate, and to return patients to duty quickly and as far forward in the
theater as possible. Another measure is the system’s ability to stabilize patients for
evacuation to the Communications Zone (COMMZ) or out of the theater as
appropriate, within the operational evacuation policy guidelines, and with minimum
delay of the fleet and fleet activities located in areas where hostilities may be
imminent.

Question 17

T-AK (sealift)

Answer 17

Each of the five ships of the T-AK-3000 Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. Class, carries a full
range of Marine Corps cargo; enough
cargo to support a Marine Air Ground
Task Force for 30 days. Each ship has
lift-on/lift-off capabilities, as well as rollon/roll-off capabilities. Navy lighterage
carried onboard consists of causeways,
both powered and unpowered, and small
boats to move them around. They are
certified to land up to CH-53E helicopters
onboard. They also have break-bulk
cargo capacity, which is used for carrying
general cargo. The ships are
prepositioned in Diego Garcia.
Thirteen MSC prepositioning ships are specially configured to transport supplies for
the US Marine Corps. Known as the Maritime Prepositioning Force, the 13 ships
were built or modified in the mid-1980s and are on location in the western Pacific
Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The 13 Maritime
Prepositioning Ships, or MPS, contain nearly everything the Marines need for initial
military operations from tanks and ammunition to food and fuel to spare parts and
engine oil

Question 18

Discuss the difference between War and Military Operations Other Than War
(MOOTW)
War -

Answer 18

• When instruments of national power are unable to achieve national
  objectives or protect national interests any other way, the US national leadership
  may decide to conduct large-scale, sustained combat operations to achieve
  national objectives or protect national interests, placing the United States in a
  wartime state. In such cases, the goal is to win as quickly and with as few
  casualties as possible, achieving national objectives and concluding hostilities on
  terms favorable to the United States and its multinational partners.

Question 19

MOOTW

Answer 19

MOOTW focuses on deterring war, resolving conflict, promoting peace, and
supporting civil authorities in response to domestic crises. MOOTW may involve
elements of both combat and noncombat operations in peacetime, conflict, and war
situations. MOOTW involving combat, such as peace enforcement, may have
many of the same characteristics of war, including active combat operations and
employment of most combat capabilities. All military operations are driven by
political considerations. However, MOOTW are more sensitive to such
considerations due to the overriding goal to prevent, preempt, or limit potential
hostilities. In MOOTW, political considerations permeate all levels and the military
may not be the primary player. As a result, these operations normally have more
restrictive rules of engagement (ROE) than in war. As in war, the goal is to achieve
national objectives as quickly as possible and conclude military operations on
terms favorable to the United States and its allies. However, the purposes of
conducting MOOTW may be multiple, with the relative importance or hierarchy of
such purposes changing or unclear; for example, to deter potential aggressors,
protect national interests, support the United Nations (UN) or other regional
organizations, satisfy treaty obligations, support civil authorities, or provide
humanitarian assistance (HA). The specific goal of MOOTW may be peaceful

Question 20

Explain the following types of MOOTW and give examples of each [ref. c, pp. III-1
thru III-15]
Arms Control

Answer 20

nvolves actions taken to oppose terrorism from wherever the threat. It includes
antiterrorism (defensive measures taken to reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts)
and counterterrorism (offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to
terrorism). Antiterrorism programs form the foundation for effectively combating
terrorism. The basics of such programs include training and defensive measures
that strike a balance among the protection desired, the mission, infrastructure, and
available manpower and resources. The US Government may provide antiterrorism
assistance to foreign countries under the provisions of Chapter II of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961. Joint Pub 3-07.2, “JTTP for Antiterrorism,” provides
detailed guidance on this subject. Counterterrorism provides response measures
that include preemptive, retaliatory, and rescue operations. Normally,
counterterrorism operations require specially trained personnel capable of
mounting swift and effective action. DOD provides specially trained personnel and
equipment in a supporting role to governmental lead agencies. Counterterrorism is
a principal special operations mission (see Joint Pub 3-05, “Doctrine for Joint
Special Operations.”). DOS, Department of Justice (DOJ) (specifically, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation), or the Department of Transportation (DOT) (specifically

Question 21

Combating Terrorism

Answer 21

Involves actions taken to oppose terrorism from wherever the threat. It includes
antiterrorism (defensive measures taken to reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts)
and counterterrorism (offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to
terrorism). Antiterrorism programs form the foundation for effectively combating
terrorism. The basics of such programs include training and defensive measures
that strike a balance among the protection desired, the mission, infrastructure, and
available manpower and resources. The US Government may provide antiterrorism
assistance to foreign countries under the provisions of Chapter II of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961. Joint Pub 3-07.2, “JTTP for Antiterrorism,” provides
detailed guidance on this subject. Counterterrorism provides response measures
that include preemptive, retaliatory, and rescue operations. Normally,
counterterrorism operations require specially trained personnel capable of
mounting swift and effective action. DOD provides specially trained personnel and
equipment in a supporting role to governmental lead agencies. Counterterrorism is
a principal special operations mission (see Joint Pub 3-05, “Doctrine for Joint
Special Operations.”). DOS, Department of Justice (DOJ) (specifically, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation), or the Department of Transportation (DOT) (specifically
the Federal Aviation Administration) receive lead agency designation according to
terrorist incident location and type. DOS is the lead agency for incidents that take
place outside the United States; DOJ is the lead agent for incidents that occur
within the United States; and DOT is the lead agent for incidents aboard aircraft “in
flight” within the special jurisdiction of the United States. The Assistant to the
President for National Security Affairs resolves any uncertainty on the designation
of lead agency or responsibilities.

Question 22

Enforcement of Sanctions/Maritime Intercept Operations

Answer 22

Enforcement of Sanctions/Maritime Intercept Operations
Operations which employ coercive measures to interdict the movement of certain
types of designated items into or out of a nation or specified area. These
operations are military in nature and serve both political and military purposes. The
political objective is to compel a country or group to conform to the objectives of the
initiating body. The military objective is to establish a barrier which is selective,
allowing only those goods authorized to enter or exit. Depending on geography,
sanction enforcement normally involves some combination of air and surface
forces. Assigned forces should be capable of complementary mutual support and
full communications compatibility. An example of sanctions enforcement is
Operation SUPPORT DEMOCRACY conducted off the coast of Haiti beginning in
1993

Question 23

Enforcing Exclusion Zones

Answer 23

Enforcing Exclusion Zones
An exclusion zone is established by a sanctioning body to prohibit specified
activities in a specific geographic area. Exclusion zones can be established in the
air (no-fly zones), sea (maritime), or on land. The purpose may be to persuade
nations or groups to modify their behavior to meet the desires of the sanctioning
body or face continued imposition of sanctions, or use or threat of force. The
measures are usually imposed by the UN, or other international bodies of which the
United States is a member. However, they may also be imposed unilaterally by the
United States. Exclusion zones are usually imposed due to breaches of
international standards of human rights or flagrant abuse of international law
regarding the conduct of states. Situations which may warrant such action include:
The persecution of the civil population by a government, to deter an attempt by a
hostile nation to acquire territory by force. The sanctions may create economic,
political, military, or other conditions where the intent is to change the behavior of
the offending nation. Examples of enforcement of exclusion zones are Operation
SOUTHERN WATCH in Iraq, initiated in 1992, and Operation DENY FLIGHT in
Bosnia, initiated in 1993.

Question 24

Ensuring Freedom of Navigation and Over Flight

Answer 24

These operations are conducted to demonstrate US or international rights to navigate sea or air routes.

Freedom of navigation is a sovereign right according to
international law. International law has long recognized that a coastal state may
exercise jurisdiction and control within its territorial sea in the same manner that it
can exercise sovereignty over its own land territory. International law accords the
right of “innocent” passage to ships of other nations through a state’s territorial
waters. Passage is “innocent” as long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good
order, or security of the coastal state. The high seas are free for reasonable use of
all states. Freedom of navigation by aircraft through international airspace is a
well-established principle of international law. Aircraft threatened by nations or
groups through the extension of airspace control zones outside the established
international norms will result in legal measures to rectify the situation. These
norms are developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization. An example
is the Berlin air corridors that existed from 1948 until 1990, allowing air access to West Berlin. The ATTAIN DOCUMENT series of operations against Libya in 1986
are examples of freedom of navigation operations, both air and sea, in the Gulf of
Sidra.

Question 25

Humanitarian Assistance (HA)

Answer 25

HA operations relieve or reduce the results of natural or manmade disasters or
other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation in
countries or regions outside the United States.

HA provided by US forces is
generally limited in scope and duration; it is intended to supplement or complement
efforts of host-nation (HN) civil authorities or agencies with the primary
responsibility for providing assistance. DOD provides assistance when the relief
need is gravely urgent and when the humanitarian emergency dwarfs the ability of
normal relief agencies to effectively respond The US military can respond rapidly to
emergencies or disasters and achieve order in austere locations. US forces can
provide logistics; command, control, communications, and computers; and the
planning required to initiate and sustain HA operations. HA operations may be
directed by the NCA when a serious international situation threatens the political or
military stability of a region considered of interest to the United States, or when the
NCA deems the humanitarian situation itself sufficient and appropriate for
employment of US forces. DOS or the US ambassador in country is responsible for
declaring a foreign disaster or situation that requires HA. Within DOD, the
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy has the overall responsibility for developing
the military policy for international HA operations. HA operations may cover a
broad range of missions. An HA mission could also include securing an
environment to allow humanitarian relief efforts to proceed. US military forces
participate in three basic types of HA operations: those coordinated by the UN,
those where the United States acts in concert with other multinational forces, or
those where the United States responds unilaterally. Examples of humanitarian
assistance are Operations SEA ANGEL I, conducted in 1991, and SEA ANGEL II,
conducted in 1992, to provide assistance in the aftermath of devastating natural
disasters in Bangladesh.

Question 26

military support to civil authorities

Answer 26

These operations provide temporary support to domestic civil authorities when
permitted by law, and are normally taken when an emergency overtaxes the
capabilities of the civil authorities. Support to civil authorities can be as diverse as
temporary augmentation of air traffic controllers and postal workers during strikes,
restoration of law and order in the aftermath of riots, protection of life and federal
property, or providing relief in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Authority for
additional support to law enforcement officials is contained in DOD Directive
5525.5, “DOD Cooperation with Civilian Law Enforcement Officials,” and permits
such support as loan of equipment, use of facilities, training, and transfer of
information. Support is constrained in some instances by the Economy Act (31 US
Code Section 1535), which may require the requesting agency to provide
reimbursement. Limitations on military forces in providing support to civil authorities
include, among others, the Posse Comitatus Act, Title 18, US Code Section 1385–
Use of Army and Air Forces as Posse Comitatus. This Act prohibits the use of
federal military forces to enforce or otherwise execute laws unless expressly
authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress. Statutory exceptions to the
Posse Comitatus Act which allow active duty military members to respond to civil
disturbances are included under Title 10 Sections 331 to 333: Request from a
State (331), Enforcement of Federal Law (332), and Protection of Civil Rights
(333). Additional important exceptions to Posse Comitatus are found in Title 10
Sections 371-380. Examples of military support to civil authorities are disaster relief provided during Hurricanes Andrew in Florida and Iniki in Hawaii in 1992, and
deployment of troops during a civil disturbance in California in 1992. Under DOD
Directive 3025.1, “Military Support to Civil Authorities,” the Secretary of the Army is
designated the Executive Agent for MSCA.

Question 27

Nation Assistance/Support to Counterinsurgency

Answer 27

Civil or military assistance (other than HA) rendered to a nation by US forces within
that nation’s territory during peacetime, crises or emergencies, or war, based on
agreements mutually concluded between the United States and that nation. Nation
assistance operations support a HN by promoting sustainable development and
growth of responsive institutions. The goal is to promote long-term regional
stability. Nation assistance programs often include, but are not limited to, security
assistance, FID, and HCA. All nation assistance actions are integrated through the
US Ambassador’s Country Plan. Security Assistance. Security assistance refers to
a group of programs by which the United States provides defense articles, military
training, and other defense-related services to foreign nations by grant, loan, credit,
or cash sales in furtherance of national policies and objectives. Some examples of
US security assistance programs are Foreign Military sales, Foreign Military
Financing Program, International Military Education and Training Program,
Economic Support Fund, and commercial sales licensed under the Arms Export
Control Act.* Security Assistance Surges. Security assistance surges accelerate
release of equipment, supplies, or services when an allied or friendly nation faces
an imminent military threat. Security assistance surges are military in nature and
are focused on providing additional combat systems (weapons and equipment) or
supplies, but may include the full range of security assistance, to include financial
and training support.

Question 28

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs)

Answer 28

These operations normally relocate threatened noncombatants from a foreign
country. Although principally conducted to evacuate US citizens, NEOs may also
include selective evacuation of citizens from the HN as well as citizens from other
countries. NEO methods and timing are significantly influenced by diplomatic
considerations. Under ideal circumstances there may be little or no opposition;
however, commanders should anticipate opposition and plan the operation like any
combat operation. NEOs are similar to a raid in that the operation involves swift
insertion of a force, temporary occupation of objectives, and ends with a planned
withdrawal. It differs from a raid in that force used is normally limited to that
required to protect the evacuees and the evacuation force. Forces penetrating
foreign territory to conduct a NEO should be kept to the minimum consistent with
mission accomplishment and the security of the force and the extraction and
protection of evacuees. Pursuant to Executive Order 12656, the DOS is
responsible for the protection and evacuation of American citizens abroad and for
guarding their property. This order also directs the DOD to advise and assist the
DOS in preparing and implementing plans for the evacuation of US citizens. The
US Ambassador, or Chief of the Diplomatic Mission, is responsible for the
preparation of Emergency Action Plans that address the military evacuation of US
citizens and designated foreign nationals from a foreign country. The conduct of
military operations assist implementation of Emergency Action Plans is the
responsibility of the geographic combatant commander. Evacuation operations are
characterized by uncertainty. Evacuation operations may be directed without
warning because of sudden changes in a country’s government, reoriented political
or military relationship with the United States, a sudden hostile threat to US citizens
from elements within or external to a foreign country, or in response to a natural
disaster. Joint Pub 3-07.5, “JTTP for Noncombatant Evacuation Operations,” provides detailed guidance. Examples of NEO are EASTERN EXIT, conducted in
1991, when US and foreign national personnel were evacuated from Somalia, and
QUICK LIFT, also conducted in 1991, when personnel were evacuated from Zaire.

Question 29

Peace Operations

Answer 29

Military operations to support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term politicalnsettlement and categorized as peacekeeping operations (PKO) and peace enforcement operations.

PO are conducted in conjunction with the various
diplomatic activities necessary to secure a negotiated truce and resolve the
conflict. Additional types of MOOTW (e.g., HA and NEO) may complement peace
operations. Military PO are tailored to each situation and may be conducted in
support of diplomatic activities before, during, or after conflict. Peacekeeping
Operations. PKO are military operations undertaken with the consent of all major
parties to a dispute, designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an
agreement (cease fire, truce, or other such agreements) and support diplomatic
efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. An example of PKO is the US
commitment to the Multinational Force Observers in the Sinai since 1982. Joint
Pub 3-07.3, “JTTP for Peace Operations,” (in draft) provides additional information
on peacekeeping Peace Enforcement Operations. PEO are the application of
military force, or threat of its use, normally pursuant to international authorization,
to compel compliance with resolutions or sanctions designed to maintain or restore
peace and order. PEO missions include intervention operations, as well as
operations to restore order, enforce sanctions, forcibly separate belligerents, and
establish and supervise exclusion zones for the purpose of establishing an
environment for truce or cease-fire. Unlike PKO, such operations do not require the
consent of the states involved or of other parties to the conflict. Examples of PEO
are Operation POWER PACK conducted in the Dominican Republic in 1965 and
the secondary effort in Somalia (UNITAF), 1992-1993. Relationship of Peace
Operations to Diplomatic Activities. US military peace operations support political
objectives and diplomatic objectives. Military support improves the chances for
success in the peace process by lending credibility to diplomatic actions and
demonstrating resolve to achieve viable political settlements. In addition to PO, the
military may conduct operations in support of the following diplomatic peace
activities: Preventive Diplomacy. Preventive diplomacy consists of diplomatic
actions taken in advance of a predictable crisis to prevent or limit violence. Military
support to diplomacy may, for example, take the form of a preventive deployment.
An example is Operation ABLE SENTRY, where US Forces deployed in 1993 to
Macedonia in support of the UN effort to limit the fighting in the Former Republic of
Yugoslavia. Peacemaking. Peacemaking is the process of diplomacy, mediation,
negotiation, or other forms of peaceful settlements that arranges an end to a
dispute, and resolves issues that led to conflict. Military activities that support
peacemaking include military-to- military relations and security assistance. Peace
Building. Peace building consists of post-conflict actions, predominantly diplomatic
and economic, that strengthen and rebuild governmental infrastructure and
institutions in order to avoid a relapse into conflict. Military support to peace
building may include, for example, units rebuilding roads, reestablishing or creating
government entities, or the training of defense forces.

Question 30

Protection of Shipping

Answer 30

When necessary, US forces provide protection of US flag vessels, US citizens
(whether embarked in US or foreign vessels), and their property against unlawful
violence in and over international waters. With the consent of the flag state this
protection may be extended to foreign flag vessels under international law.
Protection of shipping includes coastal sea control, harbor defense, port security,counter mine operations, and environmental defense, in addition to operations on
the high seas. It requires the coordinated employment of surface, air, space, and
subsurface units, sensors, and weapons, as well as a command structure both
ashore and afloat, and a logistics base. Protection of shipping is accomplished by a
combination of operations. Area operations, either land-based or sea-based, are
designed to prevent a hostile force from obtaining a tactical position from which to
attack friendly or allied shipping This includes ocean surveillance systems that
provide data for threat location and strike operations against offending bases or
facilities. Threats not neutralized by area operations must be deterred or addressed
by escort operations. Generally, escorts are associated with convoys, although
individual ships or a temporary grouping of ships may be escorted for a specific
purpose. Mine countermeasures operations are integral to successful protection of
shipping and are an essential element of escort operations. An example of
protection of shipping is Operation EARNEST WILL, the reflagging of Kuwaiti ships
in 1987. Environmental defense operations provide for coordinated Coast
Guard/DOD response to major pollution incidents both at home and overseas.
These incidents have the potential for grave damage to natural resources, the
economy, and military operations.

Question 31

Recovery Operations

Answer 31

Conducted to search for, locate, identify, rescue, and return personnel or human
remains, sensitive equipment, or items critical to national security. These
operations are generally sophisticated activities requiring detailed planning in order
to execute them, especially when conducting them in denied areas. They may be
clandestine, covert, or overt. Other recovery operations may be conducted in
friendly areas, particularly when the HN does not have the means to provide
technical assistance in conducting the recovery. An example of a recovery
operation is OPERATION FULL ACCOUNTING conducted to account for and
recover the remains of US service members lost during the Vietnam War.

Question 32

Show of Force Operations

Answer 32

These operations, designed to demonstrate US resolve, involve increased visibility
of US deployed forces in an attempt to defuse a specific situation that if allowed to
continue may be detrimental to US interests or national objectives. US forces
deployed abroad lend credibility to US promises and commitments, increase its
regional influence, and demonstrate its resolve to use military force if necessary. In
addition, the NCA order shows of force to bolster and reassure friends and allies.
Show of force operations are military in nature but often serve both political and
military purposes. These operations can influence other governments or politicomilitary organizations to respect US interests as well as international law. A show
of force involves the appearance of a credible military force to underscore US
policy interests or commitment to an alliance or coalition political concerns
dominate a show of force. Military forces conduct these operations within legal and
political constraints. The force coordinates its operations with the country teams
affected. A show of force can involve a wide range of military forces including joint
US military or multinational forces. Additionally, a show of force may include or
transition to joint or multinational exercises. As an example of a show of force,
Operation JTF-Philippines was conducted by US forces in 1989 in support of
President Aquino during a coup attempt against the Philippine government. During
this operation, a large special operations force was formed, USAF fighter aircraft
patrolled above rebel air bases, and two aircraft carriers were positioned off the
Philippines

Question 33

Strikes and Raids

Answer 33

Strikes are offensive operations conducted to inflict damage on, seize, or destroy an objective for political purposes.

Strikes may be used for punishing offending
nations or groups, upholding international law, or preventing those nations or
groups from launching their own offensive actions. A raid is usually a small-scale
operation involving swift penetration of hostile territory to secure information,
confuse the enemy, or destroy installations. It ends with a planned withdrawal upon
completion of the assigned mission. An example of a strike is Operation URGENT
FURY, conducted on the island of Grenada in 1983. An example of a raid is
Operation EL DORADO CANYON conducted against Libya in 1986, in response to
the terrorist bombing of US Service members in Berlin. Joint Pub 3-02, “Joint
Doctrine for Amphibious Operations,” provides specific guidance on amphibious
raids

Question 34

Define Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT).

Answer 34

Throughout history, military planners have viewed cities as centers of gravity. As
such, in war, cities are something to be either protected or taken away, depending
upon one’s perspective (MCDP 1, Warfighting). Cities house the population
centers, transportation hubs, seats of government, sources of wealth, centers for
industry, information networks, and key nodes of communication within a nation.
Recent forecasts based on population statistics and the worldwide migration trend
from agrarian to industrialized societies predict that 85 percent of the world’s
population will reside in urbanized areas by the year 2025. As the world trend
toward urbanization increases, the military significance of cities is likely to increase
proportionally. Urbanized areas, themselves, may be significant sources of future
conflict. Cities historically are where radical ideas ferment, dissenters find allies,
mixtures of people cause ethnic friction, and discontented groups receive media
attention. Adversaries may focus on the capture of radio and television stations in
an attempt to influence public opinion and attain their political goals. Our political
leaders may take advantage to neutralize or stabilize some extremely volatile
political situations, or to provide assistance to allies in need of support, by
deploying U.S. forces into urban environments.

Question 35

The Marine Corps Role in Urban Warfare

Answer 35

As the Nation’s force in readiness, forward deployed with expeditionary forces,
Marines must be prepared to fight on urbanized terrain. In the past two decades,
MAGTFs ranging in size from MEFs (Saudi Arabia, Desert Shield/Desert Storm;
Somalia, Restore Hope) through Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) (Beirut,
Lebanon; Grenada, Urgent Fury; Somalia, Eastern Exit and Restore Hope) have
participated in MOUT. The task-organization and combined-arms aspect of the
MAGTF makes it well suited for combat on urbanized terrain. The results of
geographical studies show that 60 percent of politically significant urban areas
outside allied or former Warsaw Pact territory are located along or within 25 miles
of a coastline; 75 percent are within 150 miles; 87 percent are within 300 miles; 95
percent are within 600 miles; and all are within 800 miles. U.S. embassies and
diplomatic facilities are primarily located in cities where the host country’s political
and economic leadership is concentrated. The Marine Corps will continue to play a
prominent role in future evacuations of U.S. citizens, as well as the conduct of
peace, counterinsurgency, and contingency operations centered on urbanized
areas. Today’s Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) are deployed as part of
naval expeditionary forces (NEFs) that maintain a global forward presence for rapid
crisis response. These integrated combined-arms forces are part of the Nation’s
proven contingency and naval power projection force. Therefore, Marines may find themselves rapidly deployed and employed in actions across the spectrum of
military operations. Many of these trouble spots will likely be located in or around
large urban centers. In the years since World War II, the United States has
employed military force more than 200 times. Of these, four out of five involved
naval forces, and the majority of the naval efforts included Marines embarked in
amphibious ships. The reasons are straightforward: availability and adaptability.
Availability derives from the loiter time of forward deployed forces embarked on
amphibious shipping. Adaptability comes from the Marine Corps’ MAGTF
organization, doctrine, training, and equipment, which prepare us for expeditionary
missions from the sea in support of a variety of missions, including forcible entry.
Enhancing our adaptability are the maritime prepositioning forces (MPFs). MPFs
provide a rapid buildup of combat and logistics equipment that is joined with
Marines on a distant shore, creating a substantial combat force. Despite our
availability and adaptability, the prospect of urban warfare combined with an
amphibious assault is a complex task, which requires special preparation. At the
outset of a developing situation, forward-deployed expeditionary forces can move
quickly within range of a crisis that threatens the political stability of a country.
Urban intervention operations must often be planned and executed in a matter of
hours or days (rather than weeks or months) to take advantage of the internal
turmoil surrounding a developing crisis. Navy and Marine forces should anticipate
deployment to urbanized areas on a day-to-day basis

Question 36

Discuss the following examples of MOUT:
Stalingrad (1942-1943)

Answer 36

Stalingrad (1942-1943)
The tenacious Soviet defense of Stalingrad cost the attacking Germans dearly in
every way and set up conditions for a decisive counteroffensive. This classic urban
battle involved large forces and resulted in innovative urban combat techniques
and the creation of the highly successful storm groups (task-organized assault
units). (Length of battle: greater than 30 days) (Casualties: 1,630,000+)

Question 37

Discuss the following examples of MOUT:Seoul (1950)

Answer 37

Seoul (1950)
Following the Inchon landing, U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces recaptured
the South Korean capital from the North Koreans. The fighting was unusual in that
combat was largely centered on seizure of street barricades rather than buildings.
(Length of battle: 6 - 13 days) (Casualties: Marines, 2,383; others, estimated in the
thousands)

Question 38

Discuss the following examples of MOUT: Quang Tri I and II (1972)

Answer 38

Quang Tri I and II (1972)
An objective of the North Vietnamese 1972 winter-spring offensive was the capture
of Quang Tri, the northernmost major city in South Vietnam. The NVA
overwhelmed the Army, Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) defenders (I). Later, the city
was recaptured (II) by a smaller ARVN force using extensive artillery and air
support. The large conventional forces involved on both sides made Quang Tri I
and II the major urban battles of the Vietnam War. (Length of battle: Quang Tri I, 6
- 13 days; Quang Tri II, 30 days or greater) (Casualties: battles combined, 30,000+)

Question 39

Discuss the following examples of MOUT:Fallujah Iraq (2004)

Answer 39

Fallujah Iraq (2004)
First Battle (4 April-01 May 2004): The largest combat mission since the
declaration of the end of “major hostilities”, the First Battle of Fallujah marked a
turning point in public perception of the on-going conflict. This was because
insurgents, rather than Saddam loyalists, were seen as the chief opponents of
U.S. forces. The battle also pushed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi into the public spotlight as the best-known commander of anti-Coalition forces in Iraq, and
brought public attention to the concept of a Sunni Triangle. (Length of battle 30
days) (Casualties: 27 U.S. service members were killed).

Question 40

Discuss the following examples of MOUT: Second Battle of Fallujah (7 November- 23 December 2004):

Answer 40

A joint American, Iraqi and
British offensive in November and December 2004, considered the highest point
of conflict in Fallujah, Iraqi War. It was led by the U.S. Marine Corps against Iraqi
Insurgency stronghold in the city of Fallujah and was authorized by the U.S.-
appointed Iraqi Interim Government. The U.S. military called it “some of the
heaviest urban combat U.S. Marines have been involved since the Battle of Hue
City in Vietnam in 1968. (Length: of battle, greater than 30 days) (Casualties:
Coalition Forces had suffered 107 killed and 613 wounded during operation
Phantom Fury).

Question 41

Discuss the following examples of MOUT:Marjah, (Feb 2010)

Answer 41

Operation Moshtarak (Dari for Together or Joint) was an International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) pacification offensive in the town of Marjah, Helmand
Province, Afghanistan. It involved 15,000 American, Afghan, Canadian, Estonian,
Danish and British troops and constituted the largest joint operation of the War in
Afghanistan up to that point and aimed to remove the Taliban from Marjah and
eliminate the last Taliban stronghold in central Helmand Province. The main target
of the offensive was the town of Marjah, which had been controlled for years by the
Taliban as well as drug traffickers. Although Moshtarak was described as the
largest in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, it was originally supposed to be
the prelude to a much larger offensive in Kandahar that would follow Moshtarak by
several months. However ISAF chose to heavily publicize the operation before it
was launched, comparing its scope and size to the 2004 Second Battle of Fallujah,
in the hopes that Taliban fighters in the town would flee. The operation was also
designed to showcase improvements in both the Afghan government and Afghan
security forces. ISAF claimed that the operation was “Afghan-led” would use five
Afghan brigades. General Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of ISAF, also
promised that following the offensive ISAF would install a “government in a box” in
Marjah. Although initially successful, ISAF and the Afghans failed to set up a
working government in the town, leading to a successful resurgence by the
Taliban; 90 days into the offensive General McChrystal famously referred to it as a
“bleeding ulcer”. In October the town was still described as “troubling”, but by early
December 2010 the fighting there was declared “essentially over”. (Length of
battle: 11 months). The number of coalition casualties could not be disclosed;
however, intelligence sources in the early days of the fighting estimated 120
Taliban fighters killed.

Question 42

Discuss the noncombatant’s impact on urban warfare.

Answer 42

Large concentrations of noncombatants (civilians) can greatly impede tactical
operations and have the following effects on military operations:
Mobility
Firepower
Security
Obstacle Employment

Question 43

Discuss the noncombatant’s impact on urban warfare.
MOBILITY

Answer 43

Mobility
Noncombatants attempting to escape the battle space, can block military
movement. Commanders plan routes to be used by civilians and seek the
assistance of the civil police in refugee control.

Question 44

Discuss the noncombatant’s impact on urban warfare.
Firepower

Answer 44

Firepower
The presence of noncombatants can restrict the use of firepower. Areas may be
designated no-fire areas to prevent noncombatant casualties. Other areas may be
limited to small-arms fire and grenades. The control of fire missions may be
complicated by the requirement for positive target identification. Detailed guidance on the use of fires in the presence of noncombatants is promulgated by the
MAGTF commander. In the absence of guidance, the general rules of the law of
land warfare apply.

Question 45

Discuss the noncombatant’s impact on urban warfare. Security

Answer 45

Security
The presence of noncombatants increases security requirements in an urban
environment to preclude: Noncombatants entering defensive areas, pilferage of
equipment, sabotage, terrorism

Question 46

Discuss the noncombatant’s impact on urban warfare. OBStacle employment

Answer 46

Obstacle Employment
The presence and movement of noncombatants will influence the MAGTFs
commander’s obstacle plan. Minefields may not be allowed on designated refugee
routes or, if allowed, must be guarded until the passage of refugees is completed.
The use of booby-traps may be curtailed until noncombatants have been
evacuated. Commanders need to review and understand current national and
international treaties concerning the employment of mines and booby-traps.

Question 47

Discuss the principles of the Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS) [

Answer 47

Operational Maneuver from the Sea
Focuses on an operational objective.
Uses the sea as maneuver space.
Generates overwhelming tempo and momentum.
Pits strength against weakness.
Emphasizes intelligence, deceptions, and flexibility.
Integrates all organic, joint, and combined assets.