Section 5. Amphibious Force Orientation

Section 5.

Amphibious Force Orientation

1. 
   General Information In order for the Landing Force to be transported, supported and supplied, an Amphibious Force is formed. This Task Force consists of the elements necessary to transport, defend and sustain the Ships, Aircraft and personnel of the Landing Force.
   

2. 
   Amphibious Force Task Organization. The Amphibious Force is the task organization formed for the purpose of conducting an amphibious operation. It always includes navy forces and a landing force, each of which may have organic aviation. Other supporting forces which may be organized and included as required. An Amphibious Force consisting of Navy and Marine components of the fleet is a naval task force integral to the fleet. A Joint Amphibious Force includes Navy/Marine components of the Fleet plus Army and/or Air Force components. When Army forces are assigned to the Amphibious Force they will normally be organized as a part of the landing force. When Air Force forces are assigned to the Amphibious Force they will be organized as a separate force or component under the command of an Air Force officer.
   

The commanders of each of the subordinate elements of the Amphibious Force are designated in the initiating directive. The naval element, known collectively as the Amphibious Task Force (ATF), is commanded by a Navy officer designated as Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF). The commander of all troop components within the Amphibious Force is called the Commander Landing Force (CLF). He can be either Marine Corps or Army. Should Air Force forces be assigned, their commander, an Air Force officer, will exercise command similar to that exercised by the Landing Force Commander and the Amphibious Task Force Commander.

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  Embarkation
  
• 
  Movement to the amphibious objective area (AOA)
  
• 
  Protection of shipping both moving to and while in the AOA
  
• 
  Landing the landing force during the assault
  
• 
  Employment and support of the landing force ashore
  

For an amphibious assault, the task organization of the Amphibious Force is based primarily on the requirements to land, employ, and support the landing force in order to establish it ashore during the assault phase. Flexibility of task grouping is essential because no standard organization is applicable to all situations. The task organization adopted at any time is tailored to fit the specific requirement concerned. Consequently, the Amphibious Force changes task organization periodically as the progress of the operation dictates.

• 
  Embarkation (Naval Force parallels Landing force)
  
• 
  Movement (Navy Responsibility)
  
• 
  Protection of shipping while moving to/in AOA (Primary Navy responsibility w/some Landing Force responsibility)
  
• 
  Landing the landing force (Naval Force parallels Landing Force)
  
• 
  Supporting the landing force ashore (Naval Force parallels Landing Force)
  

3. 
   AMPHIBIOUS FORCE COMPOSITION AND SIZE. PHIBGRU-2 and its PHIBRON's provide the nucleus of the ATF. The Navy officer commanding this nucleus is normally designated as CATF. Size of the nucleus is related to the size of the landing force. A PHIBRON consists of 3-5 amphibious assault ships. It commanded by a Commodore, Captain - pay grade 06, for a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sized landing force. A PHIBGRU is made up of about 20 amphibious assault ships. It is commanded by a Rear Admiral one/two stars for a MEF (FWD). The officer in charge of the JTF, which consists of the entire Amphibious Fleet and the MPF, called the CINC. This is a Vice Admiral for a MEF sized operation.
   

In order to conduct MEF size operations a "Swing" concept must be utilized. This requires movement of either east coast or west coast PHIBGRUs to one coast to provide lift for assault echelon of MEF. Assault Follow-On Echelon of MEF will move by turn around shipping, MSC black bottoms and AMC A/C. Other ships and units may also be included as required.

4. 
   PRINCIPLES OF AMPHIBIOUS TASK ORGANIZATION. The considerations that govern task organization of forces for any combat operation apply to amphibious operations; nevertheless, the requirement to integrate ships, aircraft, and ground units for concerted action requires interface between subordinate elements of components to accomplish mutual tasks. This interface requires special emphasis of three principles.
   

Task grouping is the first principle. Units within each component are organized into subordinate task organizations to accomplish specific tasks. Parallel task organizations are established by components to accomplish mutual, interrelated tasks. The second principle is economy of force. Embark only those units, supplies, and equipment required for the operation. The third principle is parallel chains of command. These are established at all levels between commanders within the navy force, landing force and other forces in order to effect coordination for planning and execution of mutual tasks. The CATF, CLF, and other separate force commanders are at the same corresponding command level. All of these officers are co-equal for planning purposes; the CATF acts as coordinator.

5. 
   TASK GROUPING OF AN AMPHIBIOUS FORCE. Some typical task groups common to most operations are outlined below. Remember that this is only a typical breakdown and details will vary from Amphibious Force to Amphibious Force depending on the number of ships and size of navy forces involved. For simplicity, two or more or these groups could be combined and their function be accomplished by a subordinate task unit of the group concerned. Some groups may be deleted entirely and others may be added according to the forces assigned and the situation.
   

1. 
   Command/Special Operations Group. The Command/Special Operations Group contains the Flagship for CATF and CLF. A Tactical Air Control Unit, provided by TACGRU-2 to operate necessary ship borne agencies for CATF to exercise overall control of Amphibious Force air operations is part of this group. There is a Special Warfare Unit, provided by SPECWARGRU-2. It may include SDV teams for amphibious reconnaissance/ underwater demolition, SEALS for unconventional warfare, and patrol gunboats from SPECBOATRON-2 (Could be formed as separate Task Group). A Naval Beach Party Unit is provided by NAVBEACHGRU-2. It includes BMU-2 and NAVCHAPGRU elements; elements of PHIBCB-2. Both the Special Warfare Unit and the Naval Beach Party Groups can be included or formed as separate Task Group.
   

2. 
   Transport/Assault Group. For Amphibious Force's with MEU-sized landing forces, normally only one transport/assault group is formed, though more may be organized for special situations and for MEF-sized landing forces. The amphibious assault ships, which embark and land units, supplies, and equipment of the landing force, are included in this group. This group also includes assault landing craft from ACU-2 and ACU-4, such as LCU's, LCM-8's and LCAC's. This group may be subdivided into surface transport/assault unit(s), helicopter transport/assault unit(s), and reserve/demonstration unit to parallel landing force task organization if separate task groups not formed for these functions.
   

3. 
   Attack Group. An attack group is a subordinate task organization of the navy force. It is composed of assault shipping and supporting naval units designated to transport, protect, land, and support a landing group.
   

4. 
   Landing Group. A landing group is a subordinate task organization of the landing force. It is composed of specially organized, trained, and equipped troops, including aviation units when assigned, capable of conducting amphibious operations.
   

5. 
   Ship-to-Shore Control Group. This group is activated only for conducting the assault landing, and contains two subordinate units. The Surface Assault Control Unit consists of designated ships, craft, and personnel to control surface assault landing over particular landing beaches. Helicopter Assault Control Unit is made up of designated ships, craft, and personnel to control helicopter borne assault landing.
   

6. 
   Screening/Protection Group. This group is made up of cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned by the CINC to protect the Amphibious Force enroute to and while operating in the amphibious objective area. (AOA) Other forces, such as Maritime Patrol Aircraft and submarines, maybe assigned by the CINC and maybe included in the screening/protection group.
   

7. 
   Naval Surface Fire Support Group. The Naval Fire Support Group is activated to support assault landing and operations ashore; ships provided by/rotated with those of the screening/protection group. (It is common to organize a combined screening/naval gunfire support group. New terminology calls this a surface fire support group due to the inclusion of Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles). If sufficient ships are available, they may be task organized into general support and direct support naval surface fire support units.
   

8. 
   Mine Warfare Group. Mine Counter Measure platforms from mine squadrons provide support in conjunction with or independent of allied countermine assets. Staff may embark in a suitably configured amphibious ship designated for this purpose.
   

9. 
   Movement Group(s). The movement group is activated if main body of a large Amphibious Force is to move in two or more subdivisions to the objective area. Movement groups are dissolved when the Amphibious Force effects a rendezvous and moves/operates as a single force. At that time ships/units will CHOP to other task groups. It is common to organize fast and slow movement groups. Each movement group is relatively self-contained, to include capabilities for protection. A typical movement group might be organized into one or more transport task units (amphibious assault ships) and one or more screening task units (cruisers, destroyers and/or frigates).
   

10. 
    Tactical Deception Group. A Tactical Deception Group may be formed to conduct demonstration or other deception operations. When dissolved, ships and units CHOP to other task groups.
    

11. 
    Advance Force. A task group formed to conduct Advance Force operations. It is dissolved upon arrival of the main body of the Amphibious Force in the objective area and its ships/units CHOP to other task groups.
    

12. 
    The following task groups are found normally in large Amphibious Forces only. These capabilities are usually provided by external forces as supporting operations for smaller Amphibious Forces:
    

1. 
   Support Carrier Group. Cruisers, destroyers, and/or frigates act as escorts for the carrier(s). Air-wing provides increased supporting arms capability and decreases the defensive requirements of the Amphibious Force. The carrier group may include submarine(s) for subsurface escort.
   

2. 
   Replenishment Group. The replenishment group supports the carrier group may provide fleet auxiliary ships. Underway replenishment capability is critical to force sustainment. Amphibious forces are able to conduct unlimited presence operations because of the logistic support from the replenishment group.
   

6. 
   AMPHIBIOUS FORCE STAFF ORGANIZATION. The Amphibious Force staff is organized to provide the best leadership, management and command and control possible. The staff is divided into two structures: The Naval staff structure and the MAGTF staff structure. This section will define responsibilities of members of both staffs.
   

1. 
   CATF. The Commander Amphibious Task Force is the senior naval officer in the organization. The commander not only acts as the Commander Amphibious Task Force, but also commands the Naval Force.
   

2. 
   CHIEF OF STAFF/CHIEF STAFF OFFICER. The Chief of staff directs the staff in production of all planning directives and memoranda emanating from the Amphibious Force staff. Also supervises the preparation, promulgation and execution of operational plans and orders.
   

3. 
   ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (N-1). The N-1 handles all official correspondence and runs the staff administrative office. The N-1 also maintains personnel records.
   

4. 
   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (N-2). The N-2 collects, evaluates, and disseminates pertinent military intelligence. Also, serves as a liaison with other intelligence sources/ agencies. Has responsibility for hydrographic and terrain studies and prepares Intelligence Annex/OPTASK INTEL. The N-2 also coordinates staff Intel briefings
   

5. 
   OPERATIONS OFFICER (N-3) The N-3 prepares staff planning directives and memorandum for basic operational orders task organization. Also keeps the staff informed of standard fleet operating procedures current tactical doctrine, rules of engagement and changes in operational control. The N-3 has responsibility for preparing op plans and orders and acts as liaison with supporting commanders. An additional duty of the N-3 is to act as the Staff C2W officer
   

6. 
   CURRENT OPERATIONS/SHIP-TO-SHORE MOVEMENT OFFICER (N-32). The N-32 supervises operational employment of assigned units and prepares operational plans such as the OPTASK AMPHIB and other plans dealing with AAW, ASUW and ASW support and related areas within the amphibious operation and in the AOA.
   

7. 
   SUPPORTING ARMS COORDINATOR (N-33) The N-33 is the CATF's NGFS, air support, and artillery assistant. Acts as staff gunnery officer and maintains combat charts and NGFS pubs and coordinates supporting arms in the AOA and maintains the Amphibious Force target list.
   

8. 
   COMBAT CARGO OFFICER (N-36) (N-8 on PHIBRON) The Combat Cargo Officer acts as the liaison with troop and cargo officers in other commands, keeps abreast of new developments in cargo handling procedures and keeps account of long-range operational load commitments by maintaining up to date Ship’s Loading Characteristics Pamphlets (SLCP's) on all assigned units. The Combat Cargo Officer also assists ship combat cargo officers with preparation of loading plans.
   

9. 
   SPECIAL WARFARE OFFICER. The Special Warfare Officer is a SEAL officer TAD from COMNAVSPECWARGRU 2 providing CATF with special operations expertise. The Special Warfare Officer assumes staff cognizance for all SPECWAR TASK UNIT detachment matters, coordinates with fleet and other external staffs to explore opportunities for SEAL detachments to support fleet operations across the spectrum of warfare specialties. The Special Warfare Officer also prepares and/or reviews plans for SEAL participation in operations and exercises, effects liaison with associated UW/SPECWAR units and assists the operations and plans officer in any area of specific expertise.
   

10. 
    COMBAT LOGISTICS/MATERIAL OFFICER (N-4). The N-4 reviews shipyard overhaul lists of assigned units, reviews emergency work requests for assigned units (CASREPs). The N-4 also reviews engineering and damage control training of assigned units, arranges for necessary logistics support within the squadron (consolidated LOGREQ) and supervises logistics, material, engineering sections of plans, orders and directives
    

11. 
    PLANS/POLICIES/EXERCISES OFFICER (N-5). The N-5 assists commander in long range/future planning, prepares operational plans and orders for the employment of CBR weapons and promulgates ship-to-shore portion of op orders/OPTASK AMPHIB. The N-5 also maintains complete war plans and current contingency plans.
    

12. 
    COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (N-6). The N-6 prepares comm plans and directives (OPTASK COMMS) in conjunction with the G/S-6 and directs flagship and squadron communications. The N-6 is also responsible for preparing the comm annex and tracks the material status of C4I equipment on all assigned units
    

13. 
    TACTICAL AIR OFFICER (CPG2) Provided by N-8, the Tactical Air Officer prepares Air Operations Appendix to OPORDER and assists in preparation of the anti-air warfare appendix and assists in helo ship-to-shore movement appendix. The CPG2 also briefs air units and other commands in air matters, assists in collection and preparation of aviation intelligence and acts as tactical air officer and/or tactical air control center director. Finally the CPG2 is responsible for execution of air operation plan, including coordination or control of all aircraft entering or passing through the Amphibious Objective Area (AOA).
    

14. 
    NAVAL BEACH GROUP (COMNAVBEACHGRU 2). COMNAVBEACHGRU2 acts as the liaison with staff of Assault Craft Unit, Beachmaster, and PHIBCB detachments assigned to the squadron and directs and coordinates training and administration of naval beach group activities. COMNAVBEACHGRU2 also ensures waterborne craft and causeways are effectively used; provides BMU, PHIBCB and ACU tactical components as elements of the Landing Force Shore Party/Beach Party Team in landing one BLT over one numbered beach and assists the N-31 in preparation of ship-to-shore movement section of the OPTASK AMPHIB.
    

15. 
    CATF SURGEON. The CATF Surgeon directs and coordinates the Fleet Surgical Team (FST) training and administration and advises CATF on all medical matters. The CATF Surgeon also develops the mass casualty plan and recommends selection of Primary Casualty Receiving and Treatment Ship (PCRTS)
    

7. 
   MAGTF Staff Structure/Responsibilities
   

• 
  COMMANDER (CLF) – Known as the Commander Landing Force, the CLF commands all troop components in the MAGTF.
  

• 
  CHIEF OF STAFF/EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Chief of Staff or XO is responsible for the direction, coordination and supervision of the staff and reviews and approves all planning directives and memoranda emanating from the staff. Also responsible for supervising preparation, promulgation and execution of OPLANS and orders.
  

• 
  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (G/S-1). The G/S-1 maintains personnel records, arranges for combat replacements and runs the Graves registration section. Also responsible for the processing of Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's). Finally, the G/S-1 section is responsible for the morale, discipline, law and order of the troops in the MAGTF.
  

• 
  INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (G/S-2). The G/S-2 is responsible for the collection, evaluation, production and dissemination of pertinent military intelligence, including: special Intelligence and SIGINT collection and terrain and weather studies. The G/S-2 prepares Intelligence Annex and conducts Counterintelligence and Enemy studies
  

• 
  OPERATIONS OFFICER (G/S-3). The G/S-3 prepares staff planning directives and memorandum for tactical employment of units, task organization, and NBC warfare employment sections of operational plans and orders. Also allocates forces among task organization to accomplish mission, directs Fire Support and Electronic Warfare planning and acts as the Force C2W officer.
  

• 
  LOGISTICS OFFICER (G/S-4). The G/S-4 coordinates the logistic and combat service support functions of Supply, Maintenance Transportation Medical/Dental, Passenger and freight transport, Engineer and landing support Material handling and food services.
  

• 
  COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OFFICER (G/S-6). The G/S-6 advises and assists the commander in areas concerning communications, prepares comm. plans and directives in conjunction with the N-6, and directs communications and information systems. The G-6 is also responsible for command and control systems.
  

• 
  SPECIAL STAFF. These officers augment the core staff to fulfill many responsibilities such as: Fire Support Coordinator, Air Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Embarkation Officer, Communications Electronics Officer and Motor Transportation Officer
  

8. 
   ATF Chain of Command The ATF is commanded by a Navy officer designated as Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF); he normally also commands the navy force of the ATF. The commander of all troop components within the amphibious task force is called the Commander Landing Force (CLF). He can be either Marine Corps or Army.
   

9. 
   Task Force Composition The nucleus of the task force is made up of (in this case) PHIBGRUTWO and its PHIBRONS. As discussed earlier, the size of the nucleus is determined by the size of the landing force. A PHIBRON, which is a squadron consisting of 3-5 amphibious assault ships is commanded by a Commodore (Captain pay grade 06) for an ATF with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sized landing force. A PHIBGRU is made up of about 20 amphibious assault ships. It is commanded by a Rear Admiral Lower Half/Rear Admiral (one/two stars) for a MEF (FWD). The JTF, which consists of the entire Amphib Fleet plus the MPF, is commanded by a Vice Admiral for a MEF sized operation. In order to conduct MEF size operations a "Swing" concept must be utilized. This requires movement of either east coast or west coast PHIBGRUs to one coast to provide lift for assault echelon of MEF.
   

10. 
    Task Groups Within the task force, there are smaller groups of ships that work toward a specified purpose. These groups are called Task Groups. Some typical task groups common to most operations are outlined below. Remember, this is only a typical breakdown and details will vary from ATF to ATF depending on the number of ships and size of navy forces involved.
    

1. 
   Command/Special Operations Group(s) Elements of the Command/Special Operations Group may include the Flagship for CATF and CLF. The Tactical Air Control Unit, which is provided by TACGRU-2 to operate necessary ship borne agencies for CATF to exercise overall control of ATF air operations, may also be included.
   
2. 
   Special Warfare Unit. Provided by SPECWARGRU-2 and may include SDV teams for amphibious reconnaissance/ underwater demolition, SEALS for unconventional warfare, and patrol gunboats from SPECBOATRON-2 (Could be formed as separate Task Group).
   
3. 
   Naval Beach Party Unit. Provided by NAVBEACHGRU-2 and includes BMU-2 and NAVCHAPGRU elements; elements of PHIBCB-2 could be included or formed as separate Task Group.
   
4. 
   Transport/Assault Group(s). For ATF's with MEU-sized landing forces, normally only one transport/assault group is formed; more may be organized for special situations and for MEF-sized landing forces. Elements of the Transport/Assault Group may include amphibious assault ships which embark and land units, supplies, and equipment of the landing force. This includes assault landing craft from ACU-2 and ACU-4, such as LCU's, LCM-8's and LCAC's. The transport/assault groups may be subdivided into surface transport/assault unit(s), helicopter transport/assault unit(s), and reserve/demonstration unit to parallel landing force task organization if separate task groups not formed for these functions.
   
5. 
   Attack Group. An attack group is a subordinate task organization of the navy force. It is composed of assault shipping and supporting naval units designated to transport, protect, land, and support a landing group.
   
6. 
   Landing Group. A landing group is a subordinate task organization of the landing force. It is composed of specially organized, trained, and equipped troops, including aviation units when assigned, capable of conducting amphibious operations.
   
7. 
   Ship-to-Shore Control Group. Activated only for conducting the assault landing. Elements of the Ship-to Shore Group include the Surface Assault Control Unit and the Helicopter Assault Control Unit. Each of these units are designated ships, craft, and personnel to control surface assault landing over particular landing beaches, or to control helicopter borne assault landings.
   
8. 
   Screening/Protection Group. Cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned by the CINC to protect ATF enroute to and while operating in the amphibious objective area. (AOA). Other forces, such as Maritime Patrol Aircraft and submarines, maybe assigned by the CINC and maybe included in the screening/protection group.
   
9. 
   Naval Gunfire Support Group. The Naval Gunfire Support Group is activated to support assault landings and operations ashore; ships provided by/rotated with those of the screening/protection group. (It is common to organize a combined screening/naval gunfire support group. New terminology calls this a surface fire support group due to the inclusion of Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles). If sufficient ships are available, they may be task organized into general support and direct support naval gunfire support units.
   

10. 
    Mine Warfare Group. Mine Counter Measure platforms from mine squadrons provide support in conjunction with or independent of allied countermine assets. Staff may embark in a suitably configured amphibious ship designated for this purpose if USS INCHON is unavailable.
    

11. 
    Secondary Group(s) In addition to these primary groups that may participate in the operations of an ATF; there are secondary groups that may also be called upon. These groups include:
    

12. 
    Movement Group(s). The Movement Group is activated if the main body of a large ATF is to move in two or more subdivisions to the objective area. Movement groups are dissolved when the ATF reaches a rendezvous point and moves/operates as a single force. At that time ships/units will CHOP to other task groups. It is common to organize into fast and slow movement groups, in order to have ships of similar speed travel together. Each movement group is relatively self-contained, to include capabilities for protection. A typical movement group might be organized into one or more transport task units (amphibious assault ships) and one or more screening task units (cruisers, destroyers and/or frigates).
    

13. 
    Tactical Deception Group. The Tactical Deception Group may be formed to conduct demonstration or other deception operations. When dissolved, ships and units CHOP to other task groups.
    

14. 
    Advance Force. The Advance Force is a task group formed to conduct pre-assault operations. It is dissolved upon arrival of the main body of the ATF in the objective area and its ships/units CHOP to other task groups.
    

15. 
    Support Groups The following task groups are found normally in large ATFs only. For smaller ATF’s, these capabilities are usually provided by external forces acting as support.
    

16. 
    Support Carrier Group. The Support Carrier Group is made up of cruisers, destroyers, and/or frigates that act as escorts for the carrier(s). Air-wing provides increased supporting arms capability and decreases the defensive requirements of ATF. The carrier group may include submarine(s) for subsurface escort.
    

17. 
    Replenishment Group. The fleet auxiliary ships of the replenishment group may be provided by the support carrier group. Underway replenishment capability is critical to force sustainment. Without logistic support from the replenishment group, amphibious forces are unable to conduct unlimited presence operations.
    

11. 
    ATF Staff Organization The AFT staff is organized much like the typical line unit. There are officers and departments in charge of all phases of the operation. The staff is organized into two sections. The Naval Staff structure handles all of the activities from the Naval side and the MAGTF Staff structure handles the Landing Team and USMC responsibilities. Both of these staffs MUST cooperate and coordinate in order to have a successful operation. The responsibilities for each “major” billet and department head are listed below.
    

12. 
    Naval Staff Structure/Responsibilities. The structure and responsibilities of each member of the Naval staff of the ATF are explained in the following section.
    

1. 
   Commander, Amphibious Task Force (ATF). The Commander, Amphibious Task Force is the senior naval officer attached to the task force. As such, this officer carries the dual responsibilities of commanding the ATF and the Naval Force.
   

2. 
   Chief of Staff/Chief Staff Officer. The Chief of Staff or Chief Staff Officer directs the staff in production of all planning directives and memoranda emanating from the ATF headquarters. The Chief of Staff/Chief Staff Officer also supervises the preparation, promulgation and execution of operational plans and orders.
   

3. 
   Administrative Officer (N-1). The Administrative Officer handles official correspondence and runs the staff administrative offices. Also responsible for maintenance of personnel records.
   

4. 
   Intelligence Officer (N-2). The job of the Intelligence Officer is to collect, evaluate and disseminate pertinent military intelligence. In performing this job, the Intelligence officer may work with other intelligence sources or agencies, as well as conduct hydrographic and terrain studies. The intelligence officer also prepares the Intelligence Annex/. OPTASKINTEL and coordinates staff Intel briefings.
   

5. 
   Operations Officer (N-3). The Operations Officer prepares staff planning directives and memorandum for basic operational task organization. The Operations Officer also keeps the staff informed of standard fleet operating procedures, current tactical doctrine, rules of engagement and changes in operational control. The Operations Officer also prepares op plans and orders and acts as liaison with supporting commanders. The Operations Officer serves as the Staff C2W officer.
   

6. 
   Current Operations/Ship-to-Shore Movement Officer (N-32). The Current Operations /Ship to Shore Movement Officer supervises operational employment of assigned units. Also prepares operational plans such as the OPTASK AMOHIB and other plans dealing with AAW, ASUW, and ASW support related areas within the amphibious operation and AOA.
   

7. 
   Supporting Arms Coordinator (N-33). The Supporting Arms Coordinator acts as the assistant to the CATF for matters concerning NGFS, air support, and artillery support. This officer acts as staff gunnery officer and maintains combat charts and NGFS publications, and coordinates supporting arms in the AOA and maintains the ATF target list.
   

8. 
   Combat Cargo Officer (N-35) (N-8 on PHIBRON). The Combat Cargo Officer acts as the liaison with troop and cargo officers in other commands. In performing their assigned duties, they must keep abreast of new developments in cargo handling procedures. They must also keep account of long-range operational load commitments. This is done by maintaining up to date Ship’s Loading Characteristics Pamphlets (SLCPs) on all assigned units. The Combat Cargo Officer also assists ship combat cargo officers with preparation of loading plans.
   

9. 
   Special Warfare Officer. The Special Warfare Officer is a SEAL officer TAD from COMNAVSPECWARGRU 2. This officer provides the CATF with special operations expertise, and assumes staff cognizance for all SPECWAR TASK UNIT detachment matters. The Special Warfare Officer coordinates with fleet and other external staffs to explore opportunities for SEAL detachments to support fleet actions across the spectrum of warfare specialties. Preparation and/or review of plans for SEAL participation in operations and exercises and liaison with associated UW/SPECWAR units are also part of the Special Warfare Officer’s job, as is providing assistance to the operations and plans officer in any area of specific expertise.
   

10. 
    Combat Logistics/Material Officer (N-4). The Combat Logistics/Material Officer reviews shipyard overhaul lists of assigned units, reviews emergency work requests for assigned units, and reviews engineering and damage control training of assigned units. Also arranges for necessary logistics support within the squadron (consolidated LOGREQ) and supervises logistics, material, and engineering sections of plans, orders and directives.
    

11. 
    Plans/Policies/Exercises Officer (N-5). The Plans/Policies/Exercises Officer assists the commander in long range and future planning. Also prepares operational plans and orders for the employment of CBR weapons. Promulgates ship-to-shore portion of op orders/OPTASK AMPHIB, and maintains complete war plans and current contingency plans.
    

12. 
    Communications Officer (N-6). The Communications Officer prepares communications plans and directives (OPTASK COMMS) in conjunction with the G/S-6. Also directs flagship and squadron communications, prepares comm. annex and tracks material status of C4I equipment on all assigned units.
    

13. 
    Tactical Air Officer. The Tactical Air Officer prepares Air Operations Appendix to OPORDER and assists in preparation of the anti-air warfare appendix, assists in helo ship-to-shore movement appendix and briefs air units and other commands in air matters. Other duties include assisting in collection and preparation of aviation intelligence and acting as tactical air officer and/or tactical air control center director. Is responsible for execution of air operation plan, including coordination or control of all aircraft entering or passing through the Amphibious Objective Area (AOA).
    

14. 
    Naval Beach Group (COMNAVBEACHGRU2). The commander, Naval Beach Group is responsible for liaison with the Assault Craft Unit, Beachmaster, and PHIBCB detachments assigned to the squadron. They direct and coordinate training and administration of naval beach group activities and ensure waterborne craft and causeways are effectively used. Provides BMU, PHIBCB and ACU tactical components as elements of the Landing Force Shore Party/Beach Party Team in landing one BLT over one numbered beach and assists the N-31 in preparation of ship-to-shore movement section of the OPTASK AMPHIB.
    

15. 
    CATF Surgeon. The CATF Surgeon directs and coordinates the Fleet Surgical Team (FST) training and administration and advises CATF on all medical matters. Develops mass casualty plan and recommends selection of Primary Casualty Receiving and Treatment Ship (PCRTS).
    

13. 
    MAFTF Staff Structure/Responsibilities. The structure and responsibilities of each member of the Naval staff of the ATF are explained in the following section.
    

1. 
   Commander Landing Force. The Commander Landing Force (CLF) commands all troop components of the Landing Force.
   

2. 
   Chief of Staff/Executive Officer. The Chief of Staff/Executive Officer is responsible for the direction, coordination and supervision of the staff. Also reviews and approves all planning of Landing Force operations.
   

3. 
   Assistant Chiefs of Staff. There are five Assistant Chiefs of Staff that help the Chief of Staff and CLF carry out their daily duties.
   

4. 
   ADMINISTRATIVE (G/S-1). The Administrative Officer maintains personnel records, arranges for combat replacements, is in charge of graves registration and has responsibility for the administration of Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's). Also has responsibility for the morale, discipline, law and order among the troops.
   

5. 
   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (G/S-2). The Intelligence Officer’s responsibilities include collection, evaluation, production and dissemination of pertinent military intelligence; special intelligence and SIGINT collection, terrain and weather studies and preparation of intelligence Annex. Also conducts counterintelligence and enemy studies.
   

6. 
   OPERATIONS OFFICER (G/S-3). The Operations Officer prepares staff planning directives and memorandum for tactical employment of units, task organization, and NBC warfare employment sections of operational plans and orders. Also responsible for the allocation of forces among task organization to accomplish mission. The Operations Officer directs fire support and electronic warfare planning and acts as the force C2W officer.
   

7. 
   LOGISTICS OFFICER (G/S-4). The Logistics Officer coordinates the logistic and combat service support functions of supply, maintenance, transportation, medical/dental, passenger and freight transport, engineer and landing support and material handling and food services.
   

8. 
   COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OFFICER (G/S-6). The Command, Control and Communications Systems Officer advises and assists the commander in areas concerning communications, prepares communications plans and directives in conjunction with the N-6, and directs communications and information systems. Also responsible for command and control systems.
   

1. 
   SPECIAL STAFF. These officers augment the core staff to fulfill many responsibilities such as Fire Support Coordinator, Air Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Embarkation Officer, Communications Electronics Officer and Motor Transportation Officer.