Which units comprise the 3rd MEF?

• A. 3rd MARDIV - Camp Butler; 1st MAW - Futenma; 3rd MLG - Camp Butler
• B. 3rd MARDIV - Camp Butler; 2nd MAW - Cherry Point; 3rd MLG - Camp Butler
• C. 1st MARDIV - Camp Pendleton; 3rd MAW - Miramar; 1st MLG - Camp Pendleton
• D. 2nd MARDIV - Camp Lejeune; 2nd MAW - Cherry Point; 2nd MLG - Camp Lejeune

Answer: (A)

Think of a Marine Expeditionary Force as a self-contained package built from three essential parts: ground, air, and logistics. The 3rd MEF is organized around three major subordinate commands that provide those capabilities: the ground component (3rd Marine Division), the aviation component (3rd Marine Aircraft Wing), and the logistics component (3rd Marine Logistics Group). Each of these parts gives a different kind of power—ground combat, air power to support and protect that ground effort, and the logistics to keep the operation supplied and moving. So the 3rd MEF’s typical makeup is the 3rd MARDIV for ground operations, the 3rd MAW for air power, and the 3rd MLG for logistics support. The other choices mix in different Marine Aircraft Wings or different numbered divisions/logistics groups, which would not reflect the characteristic trio that defines this MEF. A handy way to remember it: three elements with the same ordinal as the MEF—ground, air, and logistics—under the 3rd designation.