Section Topic Page

Section 1.

Introduction to Amphibious Operations

1. Definition and Scope An Amphibious operation is a military operation launched from the sea by naval and landing forces embarked in ships or craft involving a landing on hostile or potentially hostile shore. An amphibious operation requires extensive air participation and is characterized by closely integrated efforts of forces trained, organized and equipped for different combat functions. The complexity of amphibious operations and the vulnerability of forces engaged in these operations require an exceptional degree of unity of effort and operational coherence. The difficulties involved in conducting amphibious operations will normally dictate that the combatant commander will participate in planning, theater integration, and support. Amphibious operations are designed and conducted primarily to:

• Prosecute further combat operations

• Obtain a site for advanced naval, land, or air base.

• Deny use of an area or facilities to the enemy

• Fix enemy forces and attention, providing opportunities for other combat operations.

2. Types of Amphibious Operations The principal type of amphibious operation is the amphibious assault, which is different from other types of amphibious operations in that it involves establishing a force on a hostile or potentially hostile shore. Other types of amphibious operations that do not involve establishing a force on a hostile or potentially hostile shore include:

• Amphibious Withdrawal. An amphibious withdrawal is an operation involving the extraction of forces by sea in naval ships or craft from a hostile or potentially hostile shore.

• Amphibious Demonstration. An amphibious demonstration is an operation conducted to deceive the enemy by a show of force with the expectation of tricking the enemy into a course of action that is unfavorable to them.

• Amphibious Raid. An amphibious raid is an operation involving swift incursion into or a temporary occupation of an objective followed by a planned withdrawal. Raids are conducted for rush purposes as: inflicting loss or damage, securing information; creating a diversion.

3. Usefulness of Amphibious Operations The main reason that amphibious operations are useful is because of their mobility and flexibility. A commander can concentrate balanced forces and strike at a selected point in the enemy’s defense system. This can be done with speed and surprise. The amphibious operation exploits the element of surprise and capitalizes on enemy weakness by projecting and applying combat at the best location and time. The threat of an amphibious landing can cause enemies to divert forces, fix defensive positions, divert major resources to coastal defense, or disperse force. Such a threat may result in the enemy making expensive and wasteful efforts to defend their coastlines. The major requirement of an amphibious assault, which is the principal type of amphibious operation, is the necessity for swift, uninterrupted buildup of sufficient combat power ashore from an initial zero capability to full coordinated striking power as the attack progresses toward amphibious task force (ATF) final objectives.