UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE TRAINING GROUP, PACIFIC

N571 DEPARTMENT
3423 GUADALCANAL ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92155-5099

LESSON PLAN

ARRIVAL AND ASSEMBLY ORGANIZATIONS

MPF 13

MARITIME PREPOSITIONING FORCE (MPF) STAFF PLANNING

N20L8QM

REVISED 07/01/2008

APPROVED BY _______________________ DATE ______________________

 MPF 13

INTRODUCTION (3 MIN)

1. GAIN ATTENTION.

(Slide 1)

The Arrival and Assembly Phase is the most critical of all MPF phases due to the
rapid build-up of forces and supplies and the need for good command and control.
Because it is such a crucial phase and we have numerous sorties on the FIE
arriving a the arrival airfield as well as the complex task of offload and
distributing the MPE/S from the MPS, it is imperative that we stand up several
temporary, task-organized units to manage the AA phase. In this class we will
discuss all of these organizations which are also discussed in Chapter 7 of the
MCWP 3-32.

The material in this class will be able to help you not only in MPF deployments
but also help you understand the basic planning considerations for any arrival
and assembly plan. This information will also assist the student in the
practical exercise portion of this course.

(Slide 2)

2. OVERVIEW. During this lesson we will discuss:

Arrival and Assembly Organizations, their tasks and responsibilities, their

composition and how they are organized. We will also discuss the Command
relationships during Arrival and Assembly Phase

(Slide 3)

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES (LESSON PURPOSE)

This information sheet is designed to provide the student with information on

the arrival and assembly organizations, their responsibilities and command
relationships during the arrival and assembly phase.

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

1. With the aid of references, describe the organization and function of the
various Arrival and Assembly organizations for MPF MAGTF in accordance with MCWP
3-32. (0019.03.13)

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE(S):

1. With the aid of references, explain the organization and function of the Arrival and
Assembly Operations Group (AAOG) in accordance with MCWP 3-32. (0019.03.13a)

2. With the aid of references, explain the organization and tasks of an Arrival and
Assembly Operations Element (AAOE) in accordance with MCWP 3-32. (0019.03.13b)

3. With the aid of references, explain the organization and mission of the Landing
Force Support Party (LFSP) in accordance with MCWP 3-32. (0019.03.13c)

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4. With the aid of references, explain the mission and function of the Navy’s Offload
Control Unit (OCU) during Arrival and Assembly operations in accordance with MCWP 3-32.
(0019.03.13d)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE. Take a minute to read over your TLOs and ELOs. Once everyone
looks up I will know when to begin.

(Slide 4)
These are the references associated with the lecture.

1. MCWP 3-32/NWP 3-02.3, Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Operations.

2. Joint Pub 4-01.8, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Reception,
Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration.

4. METHOD/MEDIA. This period of instruction will be given using the

informal lecture method aided by a powerpoint presentation.

5. EVALUATION. You will be evaluated during the practical application on

training day 4 and 5.

6. SAFETY/CEASE TRAINING (CT) BRIEF. N/A

TRANSITION. Are there any questions about what we will be covering, how we
will cover it, or how you will be evaluated? Good, now let’s discuss the arrival
and assembly organizations.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
___

(Slide 5)

BODY (45 MIN)

a.Paragraph Heading. Commencement and Disestablishment

The AA phase begins on the arrival of the first Maritime Prepositioning Ship
(MPS) or the first aircraft of the main body of the fly-in echelon (FIE) reaches
the Arrival and Assembly Area (AAA).

(Slide 6)

Each element of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) has unique

responsibilities during this phase.

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Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander is responsible for all arrival
and assembly operations.

The Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron (MPSRON) brings the Maritime

Prepositioning Equipment and Supplies (MPE/S) to the AAA to support the MPF off-
load.

The Naval Support Element (NSE), through the Off-load Control Unit (OCU), is
responsible for the off-load and ship-to-shore movement of MPE/S.

The MAGTF is responsible for throughput ashore.

(Slide 7)

In order to plan and control throughput, the MAGTF creates specific command and
control organizations

1. The Arrival and Assembly Operations Group (AAOG)

2. MAGTF Offload Liaison Team (MOLT)

3. Arrival and Assembly Operations Elements (AAOEs),

4. The Landing Force Support Party (LFSP).

5. The Airfield Coordinateion Officer

6. And the Navy organizes an Offload Control unit

All of these elements should be the Advanced Party and arrive on O-4 to prepare
for MPSRON arrival on O-2

We will discuss each of these.

(Slide 8)

THIS SLIDES DEPICTS THE COMMAND & CONTROL STRUCTURE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT
EFFECTIVE ARRIVAL AND ASSEMBLY. WE WILL DICUSS EACH ORGANIZATION IN DETAIL. My
scarlet and gold arrow will point to the AA organization that we are about to
discuss.

(Slide 9)

This is a graphic of the pier, the beach, and the airfield. The circles
represent the different Unit Assembly Areas (pieces of real estate). Throughout
this lecture we will fill this in as we talk about each group in detail.

(Slide 10)

AAOG is the nerve center and offload command and control organization for MPF
operations.

Arrival and Assembly Operations Group (AAOG)

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Definition. A task organized group formed to coordinate and control arrival and
assembly operations.

The AAOG will normally serve as the initial MAGTF Command Post until the main
body arrives.

Personnel assigned to the AAOG are drawn from the MAGTF staff, with liaison
officers provided by each element and the NSE.

The Survey, Liaison and Reconnaissance Party (SLRP) will provide the nucleus
of the AAOG.

(Slide 11)

Here is a picture of the AAOG set up in Native Fury 2008. The G-4 is in the
center with his Ops to his left and on the far right sitting down is CAPT
Weatherald who is the NBG Commander and the NSE commander.

(Slide 12)

Here is a picture of the AAOG set up in Native Fury 2008. As you can see all
the liaison officers are also sitting at the table to report to the G-3/G-4 the
status of the combat readiness of their own gear.

(Slide 13)

The AAOG provides the MAGTF Commander with information concerning the force
build up within the AAA and ensures that combat capability is achieved
consistent with the commander's desires.

(Slide 14)

Tasks

Coordinates the airflow of the FIE and flight ferry into the AAA.

Coordinates the off-load and throughput of MPE/S from the MPS to the unit
assembly areas (UAAs).

Directs and coordinates AAOE operations.

Provides direction, coordination, and interface with the LFSP and the Airfield
Coordination Officer (ACO) until such times as the respective MAGTF elements
assume responsibility for those functions.

Coordinates and monitors the distribution of MPE/S from the MPSs with
designated organization, then to Unit Assembly Areas (UAAs).

Coordinates ground movement within the AAA.

(Slide 15)

Tasks continued:

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Biggest thing is to track, keep good numbers and report how much has come off of
MPS and FIE.

Receiving and compiling the status of ship off-load, airlifted equipment and
supplies that are ready for issue, and MAGTF personnel status.

Coordinating the establishment of accountability records for all MPE/S received

by each unit.

(Slide 16)

Tasks cont’d:

Recommending to the MAGTF embarkation section adjustments to the FIE flow as

necessary, and if time permits.

Coordinates landward security, if landward security forces are from the MAGTF.
Coordinates local security of the MAGTF forces.

Provides initial command and control functions for the MAGTF in the AAA.

Resource allocation of MHE (RTCH, forklift, water, fuel, etc.). We will talk
about how they accomplish that through matrices.

(Slide 17)

RTCHs are critical to the handling of containers. RTCHs are the most critical
throughput item in the equipment list after the lighterage. Accordingly, they
are typically positioned in two general locations aboard ship. 1) Near the stern
ramp so they are the next item offloaded after the LARCs and AAVs (RO/RO) and 2)
Under the best available hatch square after lighterage is removed (LO/LO). It is
important for the AAOG to build matrixes to support the movement and utilization
plan to support the offload of the MPE/S.

(Slide 18)

Here is an example of 3 ships conducting and offload. First we have the SS

Pless which is conducting a Pier Side offload. It is offloading 42 containers
on O day and 58 on O+1.

(Slide 19)

Next we have the MV Anderson which is conducting an instream offload. It is

offloading 20 containers on O day and 30 on O+1.

(Slide 20)

Next we have the USNS Lummus which is conducting an instream offload. It is

offloading 25 containers on O day and 38 on O+1.

(Slide 21)

If the AAOG builds a milestones table, we can see that total on O-day the MPS
will offload 87 containers on O day and 126 on O+1.

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(Slide 22)

When the AAOG does a breakout of what MSE is getting what containers, they can
then build a container matrix. Coordination between the various MSE's and NSE
is required. Sound judgment concerning what is important for the initial phases
of Arrival and Assembly operations is imperative.

Review the container requirements carefully.

(Slide 23)

Notice how this will drive how the RTCHs are distributed as we move towards the
completion of the offload (walk students through the slide).

The RTCHs can also be held in general support by the LFSP.

You will have to build one of these RTCH matrices for your Practical Exercise.
Are there any questions on how to develop a Throughput Matrix.

(Slide 24)

MCWP 3-32, Appendix O- Notional AAOG

Organization. Must be staffed to exercise full control of operations, as set

forth in the arrival and assembly plan. SLRP personnel may form the nucleus of
the AAOG. Key billets include:

Officer in Charge (OIC), AAOG

Operations Officer

AC/S, G-3 Representative

Watch Officers and Watch Chiefs

Major Subordinate Elements (MSE) Liaison Officer or Staff

Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO)

NSE Liaison Officer or Chief Petty Officer (CPO)

MAGTF Deployment Support System II (MDSS II) Officer

Landward Security Officer.

AAOG Journal Clerks

(Slide 25)

Here is a wire diagram of the Command structure of the AAOG.

(Slide 26)

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And there you go. There is the AAOG at the top of the slide representing that
this organization is overall responsible for the AAA and all 3 critical nodes
within the AAA (ie, the beach, the port and the airfield).

(Slide 27)

Next we will dicuss the MATGF Offload Liaision Team

(Slide 28)

Definition. A task organization assigned to both the Offload Preparation Party

and the Offload Control Unit to assist in communicating the MAGTF commander’s
war-fighting and offload priorities, and to provide technical supervision and
direction on Marine Corps offload and preparation party and debarkation matters.

The MOLT will assist the MAGTF’s liaison personnel located at the SPOE with the
deployment of the embarkation personnel.

The MOLT coordinates the offload of the MPE/S between the NSE OPP OIC, the
ship’s master, and the Marine OPP OIC.

The MOLT acts as the AAOG aboard the MPS flagship.

(Slide 29)

Planning warfighting priorities helps achieve key capabilities that may be

needed early in MAGTF operations and assists the AAOG and USDMC debarkation
officer to determine the critical path of MPE/S for offload. Warfighting
priorities are based on current OPLANs for a MTW and CONPLANS for SSCs. These
priorities provide focus of effort for the mission at hand whether it be a show
of force, combat, HA mission or MOOTW mission.

(Slide 30)

For an MPF Planner to translate these capabilities into reality, the embarkation
team must consider unhindered access to numerous components during AA
operations. Warfighting priorities will drive the offload/throughput
priorities. Here is an example just like the one shown in the MCWP on pg 5-7,

(Slide 31)

Tasks

Maintain up-to date automated ship load plans for all MPS and the associated
AIS/Deployment data for all MPE/S.

Conduct AIS database training.

Provide OPP OIC with ship data and special instructions.

Coordinate berthing and work space requirements onboard MPSs before the OPP
embarks.

Coordinates, take accountability and transfer MPE/S form MCMC to the major
subordinate elements (MSE) at the Unit Assembly Areas(UAAs).

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(Slide 32)

Organization. Staffing is dependent on the size and scope of the offload.

Typically, at a minimum the MOLT will augment the Debark Team

In the MEF MPF Cell for each MEF (I, II, III), there are 4 individuals. The
Major 0402 typically is the G-4 representative inside the AAOG. (appears after
click)

The 0430 Capt, 0491 SNCO, and 0431 NCO, all make up the MOLT and work from the
Flag ship. (after second click)

(Slide 33)

And there is the MOLT, down on our flag ship

(Slide 34)

Next we will discuss the Arrival and Assembly Operations Elements (AAOEs)

(Slide 35)

Definition. Each element within the MAGTF and NSE establishes an AAOE.

(Slide 36)

Tasks

Provide initial command and control activities within its UAA until arrival of
the element commander.

Receive, depreserve, and issue MPE/S to designated units.

Provide liaison to the AAOG.

Provide initial security in UAA.

Oversee preparation for combat

(Slide 37)

Organization. Must be organized for 24-hour operations. As a minimum, should

include personnel to support the following functions:

(a) Command and control

(b) Communication

(c) Local security

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(d) Receipt and issue of supplies and equipment

(e) Depreservation and maintenance

(Slide 38)

The AAOEs are the command structure that coordinate the combat stand up of their
respective unit. They are all located inside a UAA ( a piece of real estate)

What do you notice about the UAA for the Navy support Element?

A) By the Beach

What do you notice about the UAA for the ACE?

A) By the airfield

(Slide 39)

TRANSITION. Are there any questions about the AAOG, MOLT, or the AAOE’s
organization, tasks and responsibilities?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
___

(Slide 40)

Good, now let’s discuss the Landing Force Support Party.

(Slide 41)

Definition. A task organized unit composed primarily of elements from LCE,

augmented by other MAGTF elements formed to receive, process, and distribute
MPE/S from the NSE off-load organizations and move personnel and equipment
arriving in the FIE. Controls throughput of personnel and MPE/S at the port,
beach and airfields.

This organization is made up primarily from “Red Patcher” Marines, or Marines

with the MOS 0481, Landing Support. They can be identified easily at the beach,
port and airfield because of the small red felt patch that they have sew on to
their cover and by the side of their knee on their trousers.

(Slide 42)

Organization. The LFSP has four subordinate units. They are: the Beach
Operations Group (BOG), Port Operations Group (POG), Arrival Airfield Control
Group (AACG) and Movement Control Center (MCC). We will discuss the POG, BOG,
and AACG in later classes. Generally the organization of the LFSP consists of:

(a) LFSP Headquarters

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(b) Port Operation Group (POG)

(c) Beach Operations Group (BOG)

(d) Arrival Airfield Control Group (AACG)

(e) Movement Control Center (MCC).

(Slide 43)

Here is a wire diagram of how the LFSP is set up:

(a) LFSP Headquarters

(b) Port Operation Group (POG)

(c) Beach Operations Group (BOG)

(d) Arrival Airfield Control Group (AACG)

(e) Movement Control Center (MCC)

(Slide 44)

Tasks

(a) Controls throughput of MPE/S and personnel throughout the AAA.

(b) Accounts for items in the Frustrated Lot

(c) Keeps the AAOG informed on the status of throughput operations.

(d) MDSS II and manual tracking of MPE/S.

(e) May be required to organize and direct the Combat Service

Support Area (CSSA) until the MAGTF CSSE and or CSSOC is up and operational.

(Slide 45)

And there they are on our AAA graphic. The LFSP is OPCON to the AAOG OIC and
assists them in running the beach, port, and airfield by way of their
subordinate organizations, the BOG, POG, and AACG.

(Slide 46)

1 Provide control over the ground movement of equipment and supplies from
designated beach and/or port staging areas to the various UAAs throughout the
AAA.

2 Becomes activated at the commencement of the arrival and assembly phase.

Must be in place prior to the arrival of the first MPS in the AAA.

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3 Dissolves when adequate personnel, equipment and supplies have been

throughput to the UAAs.

4 Organized to include command and control, operations, maintenance and

security.

(Slide 47)

5. Controls over the ground movement of personnel, equipment and supplies from
the beach, port and/or airfield to the various AAOEs through the AAA

6. Must establish communication links with both the LFSP and the AAOEs.

(Slide 48)

From the ship to the shore (Instream) or to the bottom of the Stern ramp, the
equipment is under the control of the POG. Once it reaches the bottom of the
stern ramp the MCC can take it over with drivers (surge drivers). Once the
equipment is scanned and ready for convoy out to the using unit, it is picked up
by the throughput drivers (owning Unit) and taken out to the UAA.

(Slide 49)

Now our graphic is filled in with the MCC and it has its area designated with
each of the different MSEs that have equipment coming off of the ships

(Slide 50)

Now we are going to run through an example of how all of these different
organizations work together.

1. An M1A1 tank comes off the ship and the POG scans it (second click)

2. Then a Surge driver (3rd click) from the MCC takes it from the POG at the
bottom of the stern ramp and drives it to a staging area (4th click) where
it is scanned again and awaits being loaded and put into a convoy serial
and it is scanned again (5th and 6th click).

3. Then a throughput driver from the owning unit gets the equipment from the
MCC (7th click) and it is scanned when it leaves the MCC staging area (8th
and 9th click)

4. The throughput driver then takes the tank to their UAA (10th click) where
the owning unit signs for the equipment and it is scanned in (11th and
12th click).

MPE/S Distribution

(a) Effective execution of the distribution plan is paramount to

maintain accountability of the MPE/S to ensure they are delivered to the correct
UAA and received by the AAOE. (MCWP 3-32, pg 7-8)

(b) MAGTF Element UAAs are identified by the MAGTF commander to support the
rapid assembly of forces. It is here that the MAGTF elements receive and
prepare their designated MPE/S for employment.

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(c) Technical assistance from MARFORLOGCOM (BICmd) TAAT facilitates

MPE/S distribution.

(d) Once all MPE/S are offloaded, accountability for them will
transfer from BICmd to the MAGTF commander who will sub-sign them to MSEs. Upon
completion of the MAGTF’s mission, MPE/S accountability transfers back to BICmd
through the SPMAGTF/CSSD executing reconstitution.

Who owns the gear while it is still on the ship?

A) The last people to sign for the Gear is the MCMC from BIC

A) Then a Responsible officer from the MAGTF signs for all the gear and
finally, it is subsigned out to the units at the UAA by AAOE.

Why is the equipment scanned 4 times in this scenario?

A) Because the graphic is deceiving. The UAAs could be miles away from the
Port, Beach and Airfield.

A) Accountability.

(Slide 51)

Are there any questions on MPE/S Accountability or the distribution of MPE/S in

the AAA? .

(Slide 52)

Good, Let’s discuss the ACO

(Slide 53)

(1) Designated by the MAGTF commander under the cognizance of the ACE, the ACO
acts as the single point of contact for that portion of host nation support and
other service liaison peculiar to aviation operations at the airfields.

(2) Non-AMC organic support requirements identified by the Contingency

Response Element (CRE) advanced echelon (ADVON) will be coordinated through the
ACO.

(3) The ACO should be a member of the SLRP to facilitate airfield

operational planning.

We will discuss in detail the duties and tasks of the ACO in the Arrival
Airfield Operations MPF 16 class.

Look at stuff like:

Ramp allocation and a/c parking

Fuel storage

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Facilities

Flight clearance

NAVAIDs

Arresting gear

Airfield lighting

(Slide 54)

Here is a wire diagram that shows the command structure under the MAGTF
Commander. The airfield coordination officer comes from the ACE and coordinates
directly with the AACG and the CRE.

(Slide 55)

Now lets discuss the NSE

(Slide 56)

Off-load Control Unit (OCU). The organization to execute the off-load is the
OCU under direction of Off-load Control Officer (OCO).

Designated by and reports to CNSE.

(Slide 57)

Coordinates with MAGTF for offload matters.

During off-load operations, the OCO is normally located on board an MPF flagship
designated as the Primary Control Ship (PCS).

NSE provides beach party elements to the LFSP.

(Slide 58)

In-stream Off-load. The OCO coordinates and directs the activities of the
Ship's Debarkation Officer who coordinates efforts of Navy Cargo Handling
Detachment, USMC debark team and lighterage control teams to most efficiently
off-load each ship. The Ship's Debarkation Officer also coordinates with the
BOG or AAOG directly, to forecast and coordinate lighterage loads.

(Slide 59)

Lighterage. Lighterage consists of causeway ferries, SLWTs, and LCM-8s. Boat

crews report to the OCO for ship and beaching assignments.

Beach Party. Beach party is under the operational control (OPCON) of the LFSP
commander and is responsible for beach operations. It coordinates closely with
the OCO to advise on the beach situation and on available areas for causeway and
boat landings.

(Slide 60)

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Pierside Off-load. The roles of the OCO's subordinate unit change somewhat.

Ship's Debarkation Officer. Responsible for coordination of the shipboard and

pierside efforts to most efficiently off-load each ship. In this respect, the
Navy Cargo Handling Detachment will control the lift-off portion of the
discharge while the USMC will control the roll-off portion of the discharge and
the pier operations in coordination with the POG.

(Slide 61)

Lighterage. Will be off-loaded and placed either ashore or in the water as

directed by OCO. Once off-loaded, and until back loaded, the lighterage is the
responsibility of the OCO.

(Slide 62)

Relationships. Many of the arrival and assembly organizations are temporary,

serving as the forward echelon of MPF commands, or fulfilling a specific need
and then dissolve and redeploys.

(Slide 63)

SUMMARY (1 MIN)

Summary. This information sheet provided the student with an introduction to

the organizations that support the most crucial phase of an MPF Operation, the
arrival and assembly phase. If there are no questions, then let’s take a 10
minute break.

REFERENCES:

1. MCWP 3-32/NWP 3-02.3, Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Operations.

2. Joint Pub 4-01.8, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Reception,

Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Notional Survey, Liaison and Reconnaissance Party.

B. Host Nation Support Logistic Liaison Checklist.

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