Which MEB is under MARFORCENCOM?

• A. 5th MEB
• B. 1st MEB
• C. 3rd MEB
• D. 2nd MEB

Answer: (A)

Understanding how Marine Expeditionary Brigades fit into command structures helps see why a specific MEB is tied to MARFORCOM. MEBs are modular, self-sustaining land forces designed to be rapidly deployed to meet a combatant command’s needs, operating under the theater command as required. MARFORCOM is the Marine component command responsible for forces based in CONUS and for providing crisis-response and homeland-defense capability to Unified Commands. The MEB that is aligned with MARFORCOM is positioned to be the ready, scalable force for the U.S. Northern Command area of responsibility, so it is designated under MARFORCOM. This arrangement allows MARFORCOM to surge a capable Marine brigade quickly to NORTHCOM or to augment other Combatant Commands when directed. The other MEBs are aligned with different Marine Forces Commands to support their respective geographic or command needs.