Intro
Discover how the Navy deploys infantry-style forces with 5 strategic approaches. Learn about the Navys expeditionary units, marine expeditionary forces, and special operations forces, and how they utilize riverine warfare, maritime special operations, and amphibious assault to achieve tactical objectives.
The United States Navy is often associated with naval aviation, ships, and submarines, but it also has a significant ground combat component. The Navy's infantry-style forces, known as the Navy's Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of naval operations. Here are five ways the Navy deploys infantry-style forces:
1. Riverine and Coastal Operations
The Navy's Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) is a key component of the NECC. RIVRON units operate in rivers, coastal areas, and littoral regions, conducting a variety of missions, including maritime security, interdiction, and reconnaissance. These units are trained to operate in small, fast boats, and are often used to support special operations forces and other naval units.
Riverine and Coastal Operations Tasks
- Conducting maritime security operations
- Interdicting enemy shipping and personnel
- Gathering intelligence
- Supporting special operations forces
- Providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response
2. Security Force Assistance
The Navy's Security Force Assistance (SFA) mission involves training and advising foreign military forces to improve their security capabilities. This mission is often carried out by Navy Expeditionary Security Teams (NESTs), which are made up of highly trained and experienced personnel. NESTs work with foreign militaries to improve their ability to conduct security operations, and to enhance their interoperability with U.S. forces.
Security Force Assistance Tasks
- Training foreign military forces in security operations
- Advising foreign military forces on security matters
- Assisting foreign military forces in developing their security capabilities
- Enhancing interoperability between U.S. and foreign forces
3. Maritime Interdiction Operations
The Navy's Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) involve the use of naval forces to intercept and inspect ships and personnel in order to prevent the transport of illicit goods, including narcotics, arms, and people. These operations are often carried out by Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Teams (NEITs), which are trained to gather intelligence and conduct interdictions in support of naval operations.
Maritime Interdiction Operations Tasks
- Intercepting and inspecting ships and personnel
- Gathering intelligence on maritime activities
- Conducting interdictions to prevent the transport of illicit goods
- Supporting naval operations with intelligence and interdiction capabilities
4. Combat and Training Operations
The Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Training Group (EWTG) provides training and support to Navy Expeditionary Forces (NEF) in a variety of areas, including combat operations, security operations, and humanitarian assistance. EWTG trains NEF personnel in the skills they need to conduct a wide range of operations, from combat and security operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Combat and Training Operations Tasks
- Providing training and support to Navy Expeditionary Forces
- Conducting combat and security operations
- Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster response
- Enhancing the capabilities of Navy Expeditionary Forces
5. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response
The Navy's Expeditionary Forces often play a key role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. These operations involve providing aid and support to affected populations, and can include a wide range of activities, from providing food and shelter to conducting medical operations.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Tasks
- Providing aid and support to affected populations
- Conducting medical operations
- Providing food and shelter
- Supporting disaster response efforts
Navy Expeditionary Forces Image Gallery
The Navy's Expeditionary Combat Command plays a critical role in supporting a wide range of naval operations, from combat and security operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The five ways the Navy deploys infantry-style forces outlined above demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the Navy's Expeditionary Forces, and highlight the important contributions they make to national security.