What does MEF stand for?

The term MEF stands for Marine Expeditionary Force. This designation refers to a principal warfighting organization in the United States Marine Corps that is designed to be a combined arms task force capable of conducting various military operations on land and sea. It is composed of both ground and air elements, providing a flexible and powerful force capable of responding to crises and conducting sustained operations.

The structure of a MEF typically includes a command element, a ground combat element, an aviation combat element, and a logistics combat element, allowing it to operate across the full spectrum of military operations. This makes the Marine Expeditionary Force a key component of the Marine Corps’ ability to project power globally and respond quickly to threats or humanitarian crises. Understanding the role and composition of a MEF is critical for anyone studying military operations and the specific functions of the Marine Corps.