Marine Corps Forces Europe & Africa > Media Room

FORGING ADVANTAGE AT THE SEAMS

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa operates in an era of persistent, all-domain competition characterized by economic fragmentation, shifting alliances, industrial reshoring challenges, and technological competition. Globally, our adversaries actively threaten U.S. interests by undermining international order, fracturing our alliances, and aggravating partnerships. This volatile security environment demands a resilient and agile force prepared to project credible combat power, respond to crisis, and protect global U.S. interests. We work to forge a future where our “stand-in-force” allies are secure, and our adversaries are deterred.

As the U.S. Marine Corps component command in Europe and Africa, we campaign methodically to strengthen our maritime advantage by shaping and setting the theater for decisive victory. Operating at the seams of two geographic combatant commands, Marines are “first to fight” by enabling our allies’ and partners’ success and critical advantage. We ensure that our nation is postured to prevail in competition, that our allies and partners are increasingly self-reliant, and that we protect the homeland through a network of integrated, combat-credible partnerships.

Marines strengthen maritime advantage to provide all-domain awareness and defend the homeland. The maritime domain is the critical artery for global power and a key vector for threats. We strengthen our maritime advantage by focusing on our alliances and developing allied and partner military capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations. Our goal in Europe is to forge a formidable and integrated fighting network that can enhance the NATO Alliance's capacity to conduct sea denial, contribute to sea control, execute amphibious operations, and rapidly close kill webs. Our goal in Africa is to empower African-led solutions to regional problems that prevent terrorist activity and disrupt attacks on U.S. interest. By making our partners stronger and our alliances more lethal, we create a maritime shield that provides all-domain awareness, deters aggression, and ensures that threats are defeated long before they can reach the United States.

Marines shape the theater to counter malign influence and secure U.S. interests. We are in constant competition. To prevail, we actively build the influence and relationships that promote U.S. security interests and increase our allies' and partners’ freedom of action. As the partner of choice, we establish ourselves as subject matter experts, advancing and enabling allied and partner capabilities while working shoulder-to shoulder. This trust is our greatest asset, allowing us to effectively spread the story of our collective success, counter adversary narratives, and expose their harmful influence. We will shape the battlespace on our terms, fortified by strong partnerships and a shared purpose that reinforces the global capabilities and reliability of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Operating at the strategic crossroads is not just our location; it is our advantage. By shaping, setting, and strengthening, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa provides national leaders with flexible options, creates dilemmas for our adversaries, and enables a resilient network of allies. We are the visible and credible embodiment of American resolve, forging advantage to ensure peace and, if necessary, to win.

D. L. Shipley

Major General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commander

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

120 Days Out

120 Days Out

ACCOMPANIED ORDERS AND COMMAND SPONSORSHIP

Active Component military personnel with dependents may elect to receive 36-month accompanied orders. Dependents must be command sponsored through a rigorous overseas medical screening that should begin within ten days of receipt of orders. Reserve Component personnel and civil servant orders are different and explained below.

MEDICAL SCREENING

Marines and Sailors must begin their overseas medical screening within 10 days of receipt of orders and be completed within 30 days for the servicemembers and 60 days for family members per BUMED Instruction 1300 2.B. The overseas medical screening must be completed with a medical provider in-person. The purpose is to screen for potential travel concerns, which may include medical, educational, and/or dental needs, to ensure that the gaining location can meet their needs. Check with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) if it applies or contact the MARFOREUR/AF Force Surgeon HSS_MFE@usmc.mil.

MEDICAL SCREENING

NAVPERS 1300_16

NAVMED_1300_1

NAVMED 1300_2

RESERVE COMPONENT WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Reserve Component orders are typically written as unaccompanied orders. However, the DoD Financial Management Regulations allows for overseas housing allowance for dependents under some conditions. Reserve Component members are typically authorized only one housing allowance, so discuss your situation with the Reserve Liaison Officer (rlo@usmc.mil) early to understand your entitlements and make informed decisions. Reserve Component members must read and sign the Statement of Understanding. Click here for more details.

MFEA ADOS Orders SOU

CIVIL SERVANTS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Most information, tools, and timelines apply for Civilian Marines, with some exceptions. On-base housing is NOT available to DoD Civilians. On-base medical is not available for DoD Civilians, to include VA disabled personnel. Research private health insurance options and any overseas VA and Tricare For Life insurance benefits early. Civilians with school-age children have space-available access to DoDEA schools. Locality pay, living quarters allowance, and relocations expenses are position specific. Ensure you discuss and understand your entitlements with the Human Resources Office. Travel pay reimbursement can take weeks or months, so ensure you are financially prepared.

NO-FEE PASSPORTS

Military personnel are authorized to travel to/from Germany with orders and DoDID and are not generally issued an official passport (billet specific). However, government civilian employees (GS, GG) require official passports, and command sponsored dependents on accompanied orders of both military personnel and civilian employees need No-Fee Passports. These documents, to include a copy of the sponsor’s PCS orders with all dependents listed, are now required for leisure travel outside Germany, per current European Union policy. Reserve Component dependents intending to stay in Germany beyond 90 days should request a Status of Forces Agreement stamp for dependent passports. Coordinate with your sponsoring section and via the MARFOREUR/AF Headquarters Company S-1. Contractor civilian personnel working at the command must follow their company’s policies for passport compliance. Contact your local passport office or review Online Passport Applications. Check the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) if your future duty station is outside Germany.

SPONSORSHIP

Two things people often remember about their units is how they were received and how they were sent off. We intend to do both well! All personnel with orders to MARFOEUR/AF Headquarters will be assigned a sponsor. We will try to match service, grade, marital status, family make-up, and future duty section. If you have not already been assigned a sponsor, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator to request one. Here is an example of a sponsorship assignment letter.

HOUSING

Housing in Stuttgart is one of the most complex and often frustrating aspects of a PCS to Stuttgart. Housing is governed by U.S. Army, Europe, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The local housing office is conveniently located on Panzer Kaserne next to the MARFOREUR/AF headquarters. All personnel –military and civilian, accompanied and unaccompanied—must apply for housing and check into the USAG Stuttgart Housing Office. You can contact the Army Stuttgart Housing Office at +49-711-729-1111 to inquire about availability and waiting lists.

Housing PTAD is not authorized for OCONUS assignments.

Download a Housing Application: Housing Application DD1746

Email Housing Application: Army Stuttgart Housing Office (Send a copy to your sponsor.)

TEMPORARY LODGING OPTIONS

Personnel can reserve rooms for up to 60 days at the USAG Stuttgart hotels and up to 30 days at a time at a few local hotels. Families with more than two kids may be eligible for reimbursement of two rooms, depending on sex and ages of children. Personnel may make their own reservations, or their sponsor may do this for them. A credit card is required for reservations. Temporary lodging entitlements vary if you are a military member or civil servant.

Temporary lodging entitlements cannot be paid until you check into your unit (RPAC) and cannot be paid if you are in a leave or PTAD status.

Link to Panzer Hotel

Link to Kelley Hotel

Link to Sindlefingen Marriott

Link to Hotel Reussenstein

READY FOR SCHOOL?

Contact your child’s current school to understand how to disenroll and transfer records. Review Department of Defense Education Activity for USAG Stuttgart school information. School physicals and vaccines should be completed before you PCS. Private school information is here.

Stuttgart School Zones SY24-25

Stuttgart School Zones Map SY24-25

DOWNLOAD THE MY ARMY POST APP

App name: My Army Post App (MAPA) Available on the AppStore.

PURGE

Homes in Europe are smaller than U.S. homes. Start getting rid of what you don’t need or have a plan for what you will store. You rate three shipments: household goods, non-temporary storage (NTS), and unaccompanied baggage (>2000 lbs). Total weight is based on your grade and with or without dependents. All three shipments must not exceed your total weight allowance. Washers and dryers are provided by housing; do not bring them. Consider storing extra-large furniture, lawn equipment, large patio sets. If you don’t think you will need it, store, sell, or donate it.

90 Days Out

90 Days Out

SIGN UP FOR AN MCCS RELOCATION CLASS

Your local MCCS Information, Referral, & Relocation (I&R) Office (If available). PCS workshops are required for the service member and highly encouraged spouses and civil servants. These workshops provide an overview of all moving parts of a PCS. A great resource if you are unable to attend: NAVSUP Counseling Webinar Videos and Tutorials.

SCHEDULE FLIGHT

Your orders may direct government conveyance, but options exist. Contact your RPAC and travel office for options. The Patriot Express departing Baltimore-Washington International has limited pet space and lands at Rammstein Air Force Base. Rammstein is 2+ hours from Stuttgart and government transportation to Panzer Kaserne may be coordinated through your sponsor. If authorized to travel commercial air, most international carriers connect to Stuttgart through major airports like Frankfurt, but this connection can be restricted by pets and the size of your luggage.

TRAVEL WITH PETS

Review airline pet travel policies to inform your travel plans. Let your travel office know immediately. The Patriot Express has limited pet space and breed restrictions. Only Lufthansa and Delta allow pets to Europe but size limitations vary and restrictions apply for transfers and ambient temperature. Contracted pet travel is an expensive option. Pets need a USDA Interstate and International Certificate of Health signed within 10 days before arrival. Military vets are USDA certified. Most private vets are not. Now is a good time to contact your vet to set up appointments. Pet travel expenses can be reimbursed up to $2,000.

PLAN YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOOD SHIPMENT

Complete personal property counseling. Visit Military OneSource to create/update your account in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). If this is your first time moving, contact your local DMO first. Use the Locator Maps tool to find your nearest DMO (or Personal Property Office if you are not on a USMC base). Remember, houses in Europe are small. Don’t bring too much and don’t bring a washer and dryer. Express shipments average 10 weeks or more. Household goods at least 12. The housing office provides loaner furniture for on-base and off-base housing.

PLAN YOUR POV

Active component military and civil servants are typically authorized to ship or store one vehicle at government expense. Reservists can ship or store a POV at government expense only with 366+ day orders. Schedule at PCSMYPOV. Contact your lender for an international shipping approval letter. Shipping takes 8 to 10 weeks. Europeans drive smaller cars. Full-size trucks/SUV are hard to park and drive in cities. You may need to rent a car during your PCS and they are not reimbursable unless your car is not delivered by its required delivery date. Research rental car cost at both ends. Contact your insurance company now for shipping and German rates.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Power of Attorney allows someone (the "principal") to appoint another person (the "agent") to act on their behalf, making decisions regarding financial matters, healthcare, or other legal matters as designated. Contact your local legal services office to determine if a power of attorney could assist you in your PCS.

UPDATE YOUR OBI

Use MOL to update your OBI and contact your RPAC with any issues or questions.

BANKING

Contact any financial institution you use and inform them of your forthcoming PCS. Ensure you understand their requirements for you to continue uninterrupted service during and after you PCS.

SCHEDULE ROUTINE MEDICAL

Medical appointments can be limited at the USAG Stuttgart Medical Clinic. Schedule and complete any routing medical or dental appointments before you PCS in order not to delay. Talk to your providers about scheduling a 90-days supply of any prescriptions to be filled just before your PCS. Make sure all records are updated, especially for specialty care.

TELL YOUR HOUSING OFFICE/LANDLORD

Housing rules and laws vary by location. Make sure you tell your housing office or landlord about your PCS as soon as possible and set a move-out date. Contact your local legal services office if you have trouble breaking a lease. You may be covered under the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act.

60 Days Out

60 Days Out

SHIP YOUR POV

Confirm your appointment and have all required documents. Confirm your state/county’s vehicle deregistration requirements before shipping your vehicle. Does your insurance company know you are shipping/storing your car? Procure German insurance before shipping your vehicle. German insurance requires significantly higher liability coverage than most U.S. states. Travel to/from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is reimbursable on your PCS travel claim.

RENEW U.S. DRIVER’S LICENSE

Renew a driver’s license if your or your spouse’s will expire during your overseas tour. State requirements vary but doing it in person may be easier than by mail, especially with RealID. Also, a valid U.S. driver’s license is required to get a USAREUR license for driving in Germany or an international driver’s license.

RESEARCH GERMAN RENTER’S INSURANCE

If you own stuff, you should insure it. Contact your insurance company to understand renter’s insurance rates for your new PDS for both on and off-base housing.

BUILD YOUR PCS BUDGET

All PCS moves are expensive. An OCONUS move can have expenses beyond those associated with CONUS moves. This could include rental cars, small appliances or voltage adapters, etc. Active component members will receive Dislocation Allowance (DLA) at the with or without dependents rate. Civil servants may qualify for some moving allowances. Travel claim reimbursement can take weeks. You need to plan your expenses.

PLAN YOUR PDS DEPARTURE

Often, we focus on our destination and forget how to plan our departure. In addition to telling your landlord you are moving, you should plan for: cleaning your house, temporary furniture, house inspection, hotels at your current duty station, leave dates and location. Contact your RPAC to understand your PCS entitlements.

SET UP A MAILBOX

Ask your sponsor to set up your Army Post Office Community Mail Room (CMR) General Delivery (GD) box. This will allow you to begin forwarding mail before you execute your travel. Contact the U.S. Postal Service to set up your change of address and mail forwarding. Each USAG Stuttgart camp has a CMR and you can change to a permanent CMR box once you are assigned housing.

CONTACT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

CDC’s are located on Patch, Panzer and Kelley Barracks. Childcare is offered for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Space is limited and the waitlist can be long. Contact the CDC for more information.

YOUTH SPORTS REGISTRATION

If your child plays recreational sports, do not wait until you arrive to get them registered for summer and fall sports. If you wait, they will not get to play. Review the Army Child and Youth Services Sports and Fitness page for seasons and registration timelines. Physicals are required and must use this form.

30 Days Out

30 Days Out

CONFIRM THE STATUS OF YOUR PASSPORTS

Ensure all dependents have both a no-fee and tourist passports. Servicemembers will PCS to Germany with Orders and DoDID (CAC). A tourist passport is required for leisure travel within Europe for all personnel and for dependent leisure travel to/from Germany and the U.S. If your passports may not arrive before your flight dates contact your personnel administration center for a potential orders modification.

GTCC STATUS AND CREDIT LIMIT

Confirm with your GTCC Agency Program Coordinator that your card is active and has available credit to cover PCS travel.

COMPLETE YOUR OUTBOUND INTERVIEW (OBI)

Sign into your Marine On-Line (MOL) account to complete your Outbound Interview (OBI). All Marines in receipt of PCS orders will utilize the OBI module within MOL. This will cover all information needed by IPAC/admin to finalize PCS orders. This will also determine your travel entitlements. The OBI is used to finalize the flight booking process. Be sure to include your pet(s) in your OBI. See "Schedule Flights" section.

CELL PHONES

Most U.S. cellular providers have coverage in Germany and Europe, but normally at international calling and data rates. Check with your U.S. provider to determine rates. TKS is a popular Vodaphone provider for German cellphone lines and has an office at the Panzer Kaserne Exchange. Newer iPhone and Samsung devices use eSIM and can carry more than one eSIM at a time. GoogleVoice is an option but must be set up in the U.S. Research options before you arrive to facilitate a faster mobile and data transition.

TAKE THE USAREUR DRIVER TEST

U.S. Army Europe provides German driver’s licenses to U.S. military, civil service, and SOFA status dependents over 18. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required to get a USAREUR license. The Drivers License Testing (USAREUR) website provides regulations and helpful driving links. Complete the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) U.S. Forces Driver’s Training Program for Europe Course #007 & 007-B. Sponsors can set up dependents JKO accounts.

SCHEDULE WELCOME ABOARD CLASS

Navigate to the Central Processing Facility to fill out your Joint In-Processing Needs Assessment. Email the form, request a Welcome Aboard brief, and copy your sponsor.

SCHEDULE HOUSING APPOINTMENT

Use the USAG Stuttgart App to schedule your housing appoint for the first week you arrive. In-Processing Brief must be attended before first housing appointment. Schedule accordingly.

CHECK OUT OF YOUR UNIT

10 Days Out

10 Days Out

PET USDA INTERSTATE AND INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH

The APHIS Form 7091 must be signed by a USDA certified veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before your arrival to Germany.

TRAVEL TICKETED

Your plane travel should be ticketed 3 days before your flights if reserved through the government travel office. Confirm all passenger information is correct and upload your flight to your airline’s travel app, if applicable. For Patriot Express, confirm online Make sure you have the e-ticket receipt for your travel claim.

UPDATE ACCOUNTS

Consider updating accounts that require two-step authentication from text to email to avoid issues once you leave CONUS.

90 DAYS OF PRESCRIPTIONS

We recommend you arrive with 90 days of supply for each medical prescription for each family member. It can take weeks to get your initial primary care management appointment at the Patch Medical Clinic.

NOTIFY CREDIT CARDS

Contact your credit card companies to let them know you will be moving overseas. Update your mailing information. Turn on paperless statements.

SCHEDULE DRIVER’S LICENSE PICKUP

Use the USAG Stuttgart App to schedule Driver Licensing for the first week you arrive.

CONFIRM ARRIVAL PLAN WITH SPONSOR

Make sure you and your sponsor have confirmed the details of your arrival, pickup, and transportation to the hotel. Confirm all contact information.

Departure Day

Departure Day

BOARD YOUR PLANE

Your European adventure begins!

Arrival Day + 1

Arrival Day + 1

FIRST 24 HOURS ON DECK

Arrive in Stuttgart

Meet your sponsor – get recall roster.

Complete Unit Check-in: Service "A" same day as arrival. * After hours, Sponsor emails S1@MFEA_S1_SMB@usmc.mil that Marine has arrived and at what time they will be in the S1 the following day for Check-in

S1/Marine completes: Audit, IBI, Travel Claim, Check-In Sheet

Check into your hotel

Get some sleep!

FIRST 72 HOURS ON DECK
(Most appointments can be scheduled via the My Army Post App. Your sponsor will assist you.)

Added to Command Roster in SharePoint

SECMAN Check-In

SAAR submission

Garrison In-Processing Day

DEERS

Medical

USAREUR Driver’s License

Cell Phones

Schedule POV pick-up/Registration

Uranalysis

Complete Level 1 Sponsorship Survey

3 WEEKS

Car Shopping

Vehicle pick-up, inspection, registration

International Driver’s License

View homes

School registration

Regional G-2 Traveler Briefs

Take the ACS Hospital Tour

Explore

Arrival Day +30

Arrival Day +30

German banking

Complete Level 2 Sponsorship Survey

Receive Unaccompanied Baggage shipment

Arrival Day +90

Arrival Day +90

COMPLETE LEVEL 4 SPONSORSHIP SURVEY

What future state or conditions do we seek to achieve?

Strategy involves the art and science of determining a future state or condition (ends), determining the possible approaches (ways), and identifying the authorities and resources (e.g., time, forces, equipment, money) (means) to achieve the intended objective, all while managing associated risk (JP-5 I-4).

Planning orients around defining and achieving objectives.4 This section identifies the objectives, grouped by LOEs, that MARFOREUR/AF seeks to achieve.

LOE 1. Strengthen Maritime Advantage

Develop allied and partner military capabilities and capacity for self-defense and multinational operations. Enhance alliance capacity to conduct sea denial, contribute to sea control, conduct amphibious operations, deliver lethal effects, and close kill webs.

Obj 1.1 Strengthen a Combined Nordic Force

Enable and support development of Combined Nordic Force capabilities to deny, disrupt, and delay in the Baltic Sea Region, the littorals, and key maritime terrain. Accelerate efforts of allies and partners to achieve NATO capability targets. Support ally and partner efforts to construct integrated joint and coalition C2 and kill webs and conduct long range precision fires. Support ally and partner efforts to set conditions that enable transition and execution of contingency plans for National Defense and NATO Defense.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships, Capability, Capacity

Obj 1.2 Enhance Select Allied and Partner Amphibious Capabilities

Enhance alliance capacity for NATO amphibious/littoral operations to enable burden shifting. Enhance African partner capabilities that allow the Marine Corps to expand regional access or increase interoperability with select allies and partners.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships, Capability, Capacity

LOE 2. Set the Theater

Conduct activities across the competition continuum that create optimal conditions for the introduction of Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) and the conduct of military operations within specified areas. Develop opportunities in Africa for global Marine Corps experimentation.

Obj 2.1 Enable Marine Corps Forces to respond to Crisis

Rehearse access, basing, and overflight. Develop theater sustainment networks to support rotational USMC Forces (ACE CR-AF, SPMAGTF, or ARG/MEU) conducting crisis response. Fulfill theater protection requirements. Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships, Access

Obj 2.2 Enable MAGTF to respond to Contingency

Support EUCOM and AFRICOM posture activities and initiatives. Set the European theater for MAGTF (MEF-sized) forces to execute requirements and responsibilities within contingency plans.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships, Access, Capability, Capacity

Obj 2.3 Enable MARFOREUR/AF HQ to respond to Crisis

Enhance MARFOREUR/AF’s ability to respond to crisis as an intermediate HQ across the EUCOM and AFRICOM Theaters. Coordinate support from allocated Marine Corps forces, enable Host Nations, support JFMCC operations, and enable other Joint Force functional commands.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships, Access

LOE 3. Shape the Theater

Build influence and relationships that promote U.S. security interests and increase allied freedom of action. Spread the story of our successes. Counter adversary narratives and expose harmful Chinese and Russian influence. Establish MARFOR as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) advancing allied and partner capabilities.

Obj 3.1 Maintain and Improve Relationships with Allies and Partners

Conduct Key Leader Engagements, Influence Activities, and Information Activities that serve as the foundation for access, capability, or capacity.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships

Obj 3.2 Develop and Maintain Narrative Advantage

Employ targeted information activities to project and protect U.S. national interests, manage perceptions, counter or degrade adversary influence, and enable operations.

Security Cooperation Pyramid Focus: Relationships

WAYS What are our possible approaches to achieve these ends?

MCTP 3-03D (Security Cooperation) Appendix A describes Security Cooperation activities outlined in Chapter 16, Title 10, U.S. Code that the Marine Corps could use to achieve objectives. As MARFOREUR/AF builds a partner’s capability or capacity, activities grow in complexity and demand greater levels of manpower and resource investment.

Capacity Capability Access Relationships - triangle

What’s the purpose of MARFOREUR/AF Security Cooperation Engagements?

Build relationships that promote specific U.S. security interests
Develop allied and partner nation (PN) military and security capabilities and capacity for self-defense and multinational operations;
Provide U.S. forces with peacetime and contingency access to allied and PN

A. Building Relationships

Requires small investment, involves a large number of countries. Sets foundation for access, capability or capacity.

1. Military to Military Contact Relevant Authorities: Title 10 165, 312, or 313.

A1.1 Conduct Key Leader Engagement

Provide executive leadership (O7 and higher) the opportunity to engage with and impact the attitudes of key foreign military or security leaders. Attempts to build relationships over time with enough strength and depth such that they can then support Marine Corps interests during crises.

A1.2 Conduct Mil-to-Mil Engagement

Afford supporting staff sections and organizations (typically O6 and below) the opportunity to engage with foreign counterparts. Can be requested by the PN or the Marine Corps.

May include: Staff Talk, Other Staff Visit, Mobile Training Team, or Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).

A2. Conduct Personnel Exchange Relevant

Authorities: Title 10 311. Exchange or assign foreign personnel to U.S. defense establishments, or exchange or assign U.S. personnel to foreign defense establishments. Personnel exchanges are authorized in Title 10 and include numerous agreements with allies and partners.

A3. Facilitate International Military Education and Training (IMET)

Relevant Authorities: Title 22 2347. Provide formal or informal instruction to foreign military students, units, and forces on a non-reimbursable (grant) basis. May include correspondence courses; technical, educational, or informational publications; and media of all kinds. DSCA managed.

A4. Deliver Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Relevant Authorities: Title 10 402, 404, 407, 2557, 2561. Provide overseas aid, primarily to provide for transportation, supplies, training, education, equipping, and limited construction to enable our partners to deliver humanitarian assistance and essential services to their civilian populations. Overseen and managed by DSCA.

B. Gain Access

Requires moderate investment, involves many countries. Establishes U.S. access in both peacetime and contingency.

B1. Establish or Exercise Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)

Acquire logistics support, supplies, and services directly from a PN or international organization to support ops, combined exercises, training, deployments, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and more. Exercised primarily by the CCMD or MARFOR to facilitate logistics support and services.

B2. Other SC Access Activities

May include:

Negotiate SOFA agreement
Conduct regular port visit, overflight, or transit of aircraft
Conduct Maritime Preposition Force (MPF) Offload
Conduct Bilateral runway and port repair

C. Build Partner Capability and Capacity

Requires large to significant investment and involves very few countries. Capability develops a PN’s ability to execute its desired security role while capacity develops a PN’s ability to self-sustain a desired security role.

C1. Conduct Combined Exercise and Training

Relevant Authorities: Title 10 321 or 322. Conduct combined bilateral or multilateral exercises and training of U.S. forces in tandem with PN forces (JP 3 20) to enhance or maintain Marine Corps readiness against Marine Corps unit mission essential tasks and measure an foreign security force unit’s current capabilities and progress toward a stated objective.

May include: OPLAN-focused bilat exercises, building block exercises to execute desired security role, focused FMS/FMF/IMET training

C2. Deliver Operational Support

Relevant Authorities: Title 10 331. Assist allies and partners within specifically designated operations: logsitical support, supplies, and services; equipment loans to enhance capabilities and interoperability; specialized training; and small-scale construction to enable countries to participate or continue participating in designated operations.

C3. Support Defense Institution Building

Relevant Authorities: Title 10 332 Establish or reform the capacity and capabilities of a PN’s defense institutions at the ministerial/department, military staff, and service headquarters levels (JP 3-20). Considered SFA, but focused at the institutional and ministerial levels.

C4. Train and Equip / Provision of Defense Articles

C4.1 Deliver Security Force Assistance

Support the capacity development and capability development of foreign security forces and their supporting institutions (JP 3-20) to shape the operational environment or assist a PN in defending against internal/transnational threats to security or stability.

C4.2 Facilitate Foreign Military Sales (FMS)

Relevant Authorities: Title 22 2762. Reach an agreement to sell military equipment to build mil-to-mil relationships, promote coalition building, enable interoperability, increase the number of systems and parts being produced to drive down DOD costs, and benefit U.S. industry.

C4.3 Facilitate Foreign Military Financing (FMF)

Relevant Authorities: Title 22 2763. Provide USG financing (through grants or loans) to friendly foreign countries or international organizations for the purchase of defense articles, services, and training either through FMS or direct commercial sales.

What’s a Desired Security Role (DSR)? The agreed-to role for a foreign security force organization after analyzing common objectives. Requires a PN Nation with capability, capacity, and willingness to fulfill a DSR. Ref: MCTP 3-03D 5-3

DSR- MARFOR + Country Team + Partner Nation

What resources do we have available to achieve our objectives?

Joint Force Commanders (JFCs) should employ Service tactical and operational forces, organizations, and capabilities to function as they’re designed. This section identifies: (1) the nine relevant capabilities the Marine Corps is developing through Stand-In Force and Force Design Concepts and (2) how these capabilities align with 12 NATO Capability Targets to ultimately achieve Sea Control and Sea Denial.

KEY - Outlined capabilities refer to the Marine Corps’ most “Critical Capabilities and Future Investments” per 39th Commandant’s Planning Guidance