Marine Expeditionary Brigades

The United States'; premier expeditionary force in readiness is arguably the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has been winning battles for over 225 years, and, perhaps understandably so, has developed a resistance to organizational change. This is common among successful organizations. Today's emerging security environment is replete with increasingly capable non-state actors and global instability. This environment, combined with tremendous pressure to transform, requires all services to conduct a comprehensive self-analysis in order to identify their role in the future fight, and how they can best evolve holistically to contribute as part of the Joint Force Commander's (JFC) operational concept. In the past, the Marine Corps has demonstrated a willingness to change, but has generally resisted organizational change. Today significant organizational change is necessary for the Marine Corps to remain relevant in the coming era.; The Marine Corps should organize its three MEFs into two MEBs each. The Corps should also eliminate divisions, wings, and force service support groups. To facilitate this move to eliminate traditional headquarters, Integrated Logistics Concepts initiatives should be completed. The U.S. Navy should establish sufficient amphibious lift to transport one MEB per MEF. In this construct, a MEB will comprise two MEUs, and the MEB would be responsible for establishing, training, and deploying MEUs.