Modeling sea-based sustainment of Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) operations ashore

Abstract

The Marine Corps has embraced the concepts of Operational Maneuver From The Sea (OMFTS) and Ship-to-Objective Maneuver (STOM) as the next progression in the evolution of amphibious warfare. These related concepts envision harnessing emerging technologies to allow the projection of naval power ashore faster and from greater distances than in the past. Additionally, both concepts identify the ability to conduct sea-based logistics (SBL) as a key requirement for successful implementation. Sea-based logistics involves executing a wide range of logistical functions from a sea-base rather than from sites traditionally established ashore. Acknowledged enhancements are required to realize a complete SBL capability; however, the ability to provide some measure of sea-based sustainment exists today. This thesis models the sea-based sustainment of Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) forces deployed from Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) ships. Missions are developed for analysis; each is coupled with an appropriate force package of personnel and equipment density. Sustainment requirements and available transportation capacities are then determined and compared for each mission. This comparison along with several excursions provides insight into the nature of sea-based sustainment feasibility. It also gauges potential limitations for sea-based sustainment.