Marine Expeditionary Force

Definition/Scope: (JP 1-02) The largest Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) and the Marine Corps principal warfighting organization, particularly for larger crises or contingencies. It is task-organized around a permanent command element and normally contains one or more Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings, and Marine force service support groups. The Marine expeditionary force is capable of missions across the range of military operations, including amphibious assault and sustained operations ashore in any environment. It can operate from a sea base, a land base, or both.

Acronym:

MEF

Broader Terms:

expeditionary forces
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
offensive combat power
US armed forces
US Marine Corps

Narrower Terms:

Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company
I Marine Expeditionary Force
II Marine Expeditionary Force
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Marine Expeditionary Unit
Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force

Related Terms:

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
air and naval gunfire liaison company
Aviation Combat Element
Camp Lejeune
Camp Pendleton
Command Element
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Corps organizations
Okinawa
Task Force
US Navy