Question on 3 MarDiv/III MEF

[Navor]

Moin,
I have a question on 3rd Mardiv and IIIMEF. Why are Units like 3rd LAR and 4th and 9th Regiments attached to I MEF and II MEF?
With current increase of Marine Units will the GCE ;ACE,LCE of each MEF be brought on the same Numbers or will IIIMEF continue to much smaller even with the Troop increase allowing for equal MEF?

[Gunge]

quick answer without going into table of org and table of equip
3rd MARDIV is listed as 3mardiv(-)
meaning they are not fully staffed
1mardiv and 2mardiv list as1mardiv(+) as in reinforced w/some units from 3mardiv

if something were to kick off and 3MARDIV had to saddle up some reg and reserve units would "fill" missing units place

i hope that gave you an idea but understand im being vague for a reason
although im sure it can be found in the open on the net

mods delete if TMI

[Dragonscript]

A MEF is made up of 1 marine division, 1 airwing group and 1 MLG group, it's a bigger version of a MEU. Don't think of a MEF as a seprate unit, even though it does have its own organic HQ units, but as a command struture for deployed units.

here is a link to some info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Marine_Expeditionary_Force

[Maj C]

There are also issues with how many units we PCS to Okinawa...some of those units are filled out through UDP every 6 months.

Okinawans keep pressuring us to remove people so it has to be a balance of meeting potential war time requirements and satisfying political pressure.

[HollywoodMarine]

Here is a simple answer... not enough land to house and train all 17,000 uniformed personnel (excluding dependents and civilians employees) under III MEF on a small island.

On a side note, III MEF might as well move to Australia to live and train, AND help out the country with their "man drought (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=140879)" problem. Killing two birds with one stone. ;)