- Ground combat element
In the
United States Marine Corps , the Ground combat element is the land force of aMarine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). It provides power projection and force for the MAGTF.__TOC__Role within the MAGTF
The GCE has the mission of locating, closing with and destroying the enemy with fire and maneuver and repelling the enemies assault with fire and close combat. It provides
infantry , armor,artillery , Reconnaissance,anti-tank and other combat arms. Often, a GCE will have organiccombat engineers , snipers,forward air control lers, communication and other support functions attached.Organization
The size of the GCE varies in proportion to the size of the MAGTF. A
Marine Expeditionary Force has a division (MARDIV). AMarine Expeditionary Brigade holds aninfantry Regiment, often reinforced with equipment and personnel from units (such as armor andartillery ). The variousMarine Expeditionary Unit s command a reinforced infantry battalion. Generally, MEF postings are permanent, while MEBs and MEUs rotate their GCE, ACE, and LCE twice annually. Some units don't generally report to a division but merely to its MEF commander, and limited to detach to other units as necessary, i.e. Force Reconnaissance Companies.Hierarchy of Marine ground units
GCE ofI Marine Expeditionary Force
GCE ofII Marine Expeditionary Force
GCE ofIII Marine Expeditionary Force Other 4th Marine Division battalions
ee also
*
Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company
*Mobile Assault Platoon
*Combined Anti-Armor Team
*Radio Battalion
**Radio Reconnaissance Platoon References
*cite web|accessdate=2007-03-15
url=http://www.cpp.usmc.mil/files/send%20in%20the%20marines1.pdf
format=PDF
title=Send in the Marines...the art of MAGTF Operations
publisher=United States Marine Corps
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