Introduction In military history, the German term Kampfgruppe (pl. Kampfgruppen; abbrev. KG, or KGr in Luftwaffe usage during World War II, literally “fighting group” or “battle group”) can refer to a combat formation of any kind, but most usually to that employed by the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II… Read More
Introduction A task force (TF) is a unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. Originally introduced by the United States Navy, the term has now caught on for general usage and is a standard part of NATO terminology. Many non-military organisations now create “task forces” or task groups for… Read More
Introduction Senior Officer Present Afloat, usually referred to as SOPA, is a US Navy term to indicate the US Navy officer, with the highest ranking by rank, or number in rank, present in a harbour occupied by more than one US Navy vessel. That officer is essentially commander of all US Navy operations afloat in… Read More
Introduction In NATO, the officer in tactical command (OTC) is the naval officer exercising tactical command of a group of ships in a tactical formation such as a task unit, task group, or task force. Outline Ships travelling together on a specific mission might have one of the commanding officers designated OTC. On occasion, an… Read More
Introduction Command by negation is a military command and control doctrine – a hybrid of command by direction and command by influence. Commonly found in the United States Navy, particularly in independent commands at sea, the doctrine is based on individual officers using their own initiative to execute actions unless the reported action receives a… Read More
Introduction Marine expeditionary units (MEU, pronounced as one syllable “M’you” IPA: /mjuː/) are the smallest marine air-ground task forces (MAGTF) in the United States Fleet Marine Force. Each MEU is an expeditionary quick reaction force, deployed and ready for immediate response to any crisis, whether it be natural disaster or combat missions. Marine amphibious unit… Read More
Introduction A Marine expeditionary brigade (MEB) is a formation of the United States Marine Corps, a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) of approximately 14,500 Marines and sailors constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, a combat logistics regiment and a MEB command group. The MEB, commanded by a general officer (usually… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 