Marine Corps Maneuver Warfare Philosophy

The 4th MEB, Tunisian forces, NATO, and 22nd MEU combined actions is consistent with the Marine Corps’ Maneuver warfare philosophy as defined by MCDP 1. First, it seeks to fragment the enemy’s structure through the use of attacking their components to tear apart the whole. Second, the combined action is focused on the enemy’s elements which fits into the combined actions larger plan and contribute to unity of effort. Third, the combined efforts create a situation where the enemy cannot complete their objectives. This is “a warfighting philosophy that seeks to shatter the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused, and unexpected actions which create a turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope.” [Chapter 4 page 73]

Each component has to submit to the will of the combined force since they are unable to escape. They must defend their position on two fronts with no support. This creates uncertainty and both mental and physical friction. Mental friction because the enemy must determine what their next course of action will be and physical because force is being influenced by our actions. While these actions may cause disorder, it puts us into a position to be more fluid and flexible to changing conditions.
The shaping action of isolating each element allows the main effort to focus on a component of the enemy’s system. In doing so, we take the initiative giving us the lead to meet our objectives. Through the use of speed, the combined force takes the advantage and begins putting the enemy off balance. This surprises the enemy with no time to react. Since we have exploited a critical vulnerability of denying reinforcement, we limit the enemy’s capability to repel