Which of the following is NOT a component of the Supporting Establishments category?

• A. Marine Corps Recruiting Command
• B. Marine Corps Combat Development Command
• C. Marine Corps Systems Command
• D. Marine Corps University

Answer: (D)

Supporting Establishments are the parts of the Marine Corps that enable combat power without forming deployable units. They provide essential enablement like doctrine and future force development, acquisition and sustainment of equipment, and manpower through recruitment. The Combat Development Command shapes doctrine and training concepts, guiding how forces will operate in the future. The Systems Command handles the life cycle of equipment and systems—acquisition, testing, fielding, and sustainment—so Marines have the right tools. The Recruiting Command is responsible for bringing in new Marines and managing accession pipelines. Marine Corps University, while crucial for the professional development and education of Marines, sits in the training and education sphere rather than under Supporting Establishments. So Marine Corps University is not part of the Supporting Establishments.