Details about Marine Expeditionary Unit

By The Associated Press

Some details about a Marine Expeditionary Unit:

– Composed of 2,200 Marines and sailors.

– Has a ground combat unit composed of a reinforced infantry battalion – 1,150 troops with artillery, tanks, light armored and amphibious vehicles, combat engineers and reconnaissance equipment.

– Aviation element has 450 men composing a helicopter squadron for missions such as air support, assault support, reconnaissance or electronic warfare.

– Supported by a command group of 225 Marines and sailors that coordinates ground, aviation and support forces.

– Includes 250 Marines and sailors who provide medical, dental, engineering, supply, motor transport and military police support.

– Unit can conduct a wide range of military missions from humanitarian to ground combat.

– It is self-sustaining, carries 15 days' worth of supplies and is most often used to open the door for following forces.

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