United States Marine Corps College of Distance Education and Training

This doctrinally based course covers the theory and nature of war and details the warfighting doctrine of the Marine Corps as expressed in MCDP 1, Warfighting. The course introduces the warfighting functions and details Marine Corps doctrine as expressed in MCDP 2, Intelligence, MCDP 3, Expeditionary Operations, MCDP 4, Logistics, and MCDP 6, Command and Control.

This course introduces and emphasizes streamlined information flow and other management techniques needed to implement the Marine Corps warfighting philosophy in military operations across the spectrum of conflict.

This course uses an interactive multimedia form of instruction, which is a scenario-based practical exercise (PE), to teach the planning process. MCPP contains many concurrent and overlapping activities. Elements such as information gathering and template/matrix updating continue throughout the entire process. This course is linked to the Marine Corps planning doctrine and is based on MCWP 5-1, Marine Corps Planning Process.

This course builds on the foundations of Warfighting, Information Management, and MCPP as it explores the resources, doctrinal concepts, and warfighting capabilities associated with each element of the MAGTF, first as an element itself, then as part of a synergistic, combined arms MAGTF. The course provides detailed instruction on the integration of the MAGTF's major subordinate commands within combined arms offensive operations. The curriculum consists of a combination of interactive multimedia instruction (IMI), selected reading, and PEs.

This course expands on the doctrinal foundations and warfighting capabilities of each element of the MAGTF and of the combined arms MAGTF as the course explores the integration of the MAGTF's major subordinate commands within combined arms defensive operations. Additionally, it provides students an introduction to military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) and detailed instruction on MAGTF information operations capabilities and planning. The curriculum consists of a combination of IMI, selected reading, and PEs.

This course introduces the doctrine, concepts, and challenges for MAGTF options in support of expeditionary operations with emphasis on amphibious operations. Additionally, the course introduces the complexities of force deployment planning and execution (FDP&E). Students learn about the initiating directive and the basic amphibious decisions. A study of the doctrinal amphibious command relationships addresses the critical impact these basic decisions have on the ship-to-shore movement and preparation of the landing plan. This course also addresses the critical impact of reduced amphibious lift and the importance of maritime prepositioned force (MPF) employment. Students complete PEs to reinforce the FDP&E and amphibious planning instruction. The course consists of a combination of self-paced text, readings, IMI, and PEs.

This course expands on the doctrine and concepts for MAGTF options in support of expeditionary operations with emphasis on MEU operations and MPF operations. It also explores crisis response and limited contingency operations and military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence activities and the interrelationship between political, humanitarian, and military objectives and the concept of military intervention in response to situations where these objectives may be in conflict with each other. MEU(SOC) operations instruction exposes students to the rapid response planning process. The course consists of a combination of self-paced text, readings, IMI, and PEs.