provided for 16,700 officers, or an officer percentage of 8.8 percent of the total Marine Corps strength. The proposed budget for fiscal year 1964 provides for the same. Our ultimate officer strength goal for a Marine Corps of 190,000 is an orderly buildup to 17,500.

In an effort to reduce the loss of highly qualified Reserve officers upon completion of their initial tour of active duty there has been adopted a career program which assists qualified Reserve officers to serve a minimum of 20 years active service. They have responded well to this program and it is expected that it will contribute to increased stability within the officer structure in future years.

In addition to the career Reserve program, a further economy in utilization of manpower has been obtained by the Marine Corps as a result of congressional action in passage of Public Law 87-123. As a result of this action former supply duty officers, previously restricted to performing supply duty only, are now being effectively utilized as unrestricted officers throughout the Marine Corps. Passage of this legislation by the Congress has provided the Marine Corps with greater flexibility than ever before in the training, assignment, and utilization of its officer corps to meet Marine Corps force in readiness requirements. Public Law 86-155, commonly referred to as the "hump" legislation, has been used effectively in the past 4 years and has provided for an orderly promotion flow into the more senior officer grades. This legislation has also prevented stagnation in grade and an overaging of the officer corps in the World War II year groups of Marine officers. Subsequent to the expiration of this law on June 30, 1965, Marine officers in the World War II hump will be in the grade of lieutenant colonel and colonel. The Marine Corps will require the extension of Public Law 86-155 until July 1, 1970, for officers in the grade of colonel in order to provide continued promotion flow within the officer structure and to avoid overaging in the grades of brigadier general and colonel for the period fiscal years 1966-70.

One aspect affecting the morale, welfare, and effectiveness of the individual marine is the recent legislation passed by Congress authorizing an increase in the quarters allowances. This has provided some relief in an area of continuing importance. Favorable action to increase military compensation at an early date will add further to the attractiveness of a career in the armed services.

ORGANIZATION AND TRAINING

The Fleet Marine Forces-General

The Fleet Marine Forces contain most of the combat resources of the Marine Corps. These ground and aviation resources are integrated in three Marine division wing teams. The Marine Corps Reserve provides the Fleet Marine Forces with the potential of a fourth Marine division wing team.

There are two Fleet Marine Forces. The Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic has one Marine division wing team and serves with the Atlantic Fleet. The Fleet Marine Force. Pacific, consists of two Marine division wing teams and serves with the Pacific Fleet.

Each Fleet Marine Force also contains combat support and combat service support elements which are pooled in force troops. These include antiaircraft, tank, artillery, reconnaissance, engineer, and long-range communications units. These elements are employed to reinforce the Marine division wing teams in the formation of task organizations for training exercises and combat deployments.

Details of the organizational structure of the Fleet Marine Forces are shown in the appendixes to this section.

The Marine division wing team

A Marine division wing team deploys for combat as a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). Such a force can contain up to 40,000 Marines depending upon the reinforcements provided from force troops organizations. These Marines employ a wide variety of ground weapons and aircraft in accomplishing assigned

combat missions. A typical Marine Expeditionary Force contains an appropriate mix of:

In addition light antiaircraft missile battalions would be available as required. A Marine Expeditionary Force is the type of air-ground task force most appropriate for the majority of situations involving Marines in sustained combat, incorporating as it does combat elements with necessary combat support and combat service support units. The combat potential of the Marine division wing team is fully developed in this highly integrated combat task organization of ground and aviation units.

The inherent flexibility of the Marine division wing team structure facilitates the rapid formation of smaller Marine air-ground task forces for missions which do not require the full commitment of division and wing resources. Combat task organizations can be readily tailored to the needs of a specific situation in order to apply the precise degree of force required.

The smallest expeditionary unit designed to retain tactical integrity is composed of a battalion landing team augmented with such supporting elements as the situation dictates. These would, in most cases, include helicopters and attack aircraft. An example is the Marine expeditionary unit deployed to Thailand in the past year.

An expeditionary brigade can be established by integrating a regimental landing team and a Marine aircraft group with requisite supporting elements. An example of this is the Marine expeditionary brigade which sailed from the west coast to augment amphibious forces in the Caribbean during the Cuban crisis.

The resources of one Marine division wing team can also be integrated with those of a second for combat missions which require sustained combat power beyond the potential of a Marine Expeditionary Force. In such instances a fourth type of Marine air-ground task force, the Amphibious Corps, is formed.

These task organizations are oriented primarily toward conventional warfare and are structured to achieve decisive combat results without reliance on nuclear weapons. However, they also maintain a capability for effective operations in a nuclear battlefield environment. Ground units have a limited nuclear offensive capability, relying on the aviation component to provide such additional nuclear support as may be required. These teams can shift rapidly from a conventional formation to one of extended unit separation in the event of a nuclear threat.

The distinctive characteristics of the Marine division wing team include (1) its readiness for rapid and efficient embarkation; (2) its capability for forward deployment with the fleets to potential areas of combat; (3) its capability for sustained air-ground operations ashore in an expeditionary environment; and (4) its flexible structure, which permits the organization of ground and aviation elements into units designated to execute specific combat missions with the precise degree of combat power required by the situation.

Marine Corps training

Marine Corps training is emphasized at the individual and small unit level. The combat skills of the individual marine are integrated with those of other marines at squad and platoon levels. The unit leader plays a key role in this training. His training responsibilities parallel his combat responsibilities. This stress on individual and small-unit skills is a traditional feature of marine training.

Fleet Marine Force training programs are oriented toward refining the unique capability of the Fleet Marine Forces to conduct amphibious operations as part of the Navy-Marine Corps Team. This amphibious orientation is fundamental and continuous, pervading all aspects of training. This training is also oriented toward air-ground operations in an expeditionary environment which may be conducted as part of the amphibious operation or result from commitments in which entry into combat is accomplished by other means.

Amphibious exercises constitute a major part of Fleet Marine Force training programs. Over 60 major exercises ranging in size from a battalion landing team operation to the complete employment of a Marine division wing team were conducted in 1962. Exercises were conducted in many different parts of the world from the South China Sea to the Mediterranean. Many of these were joint exercises with other U.S. services or combined exercises conducted with our free world allies. A similar program and rigorous amphibious training exercises are planned for 1963. These exercises will maintain the Fleet Marine Forces in a high state of readiness for immediate response with the fleet to the varying requirements of U.S. policy, whether it be a show of force or a major combined arms action.

The Marine Corps has long recognized that fighting guerrillas is an inherent part of landing force operations. Counterguerrilla warfare is essentially one of small units, and the Marine Corps has traditionally emphasized individual leadership and small-unit operations. The keystone of Marine infantry organizations, the four-man fighting team, has proved to be a valuable organizational tool in counterguerrilla type operations.

As part of their training cycle, Marine units receive instruction in counterinsurgery matters. Individual Marines, in increasing numbers, attend formal courses of instruction related to counterinsurgency. These include courses at Marine Corps schools, those run by other services, and, as in the case of the British Jungle Warfare Course in Malaya, at schools offered by other countries. As an example of this training, in recognition of the importance of Africa, Central and South America, and southeast Asia as possible areas of insurgency, Marine Corps resident officer schools include courses in conversational French and Spanish.

The importance of training indigenous forces to combat local insurgency is also recognized. The Marine Corps is prepared to assist in training these forces, with this training being accomplished through naval missions and the military advisory groups, whenever possible.

In brief, while the Marine Corps does not claim to be experts in the entire scope of actions required in counterinsurgency operations, it does stand ready to carry out the military portions of such operations and to contribute to such other aspects of them as may be appropriate.

The organization of typical Marine division wing teams is shown below:

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY

The Marine Corps requires a logistical support system which is effective in both peace and war, including the transition from one to the other. The current system is one in which the Marine Corps manages, for the most part, its own supply system to discharge these responsibilities. The system is structured throughout to be responsive to the needs of our operating and supporting forces. It is basically a system with centralized management and decentralized distribution which traditionally has provided effective and economical support of all Marine Corps units.

The amphibious character of Marine units finds them continually deployed in close proximity to likely trouble spots. Troops embark with 15 to 30 days of all classes of supplies and are not dependent on transocean air transport for their supply. Resupply systems assure deployed forces of automatic receipt of two 30-day resupply blocks. These stocks are protected from peacetime training use and are continuously available in a high state of readiness.

Several policy and procedural changes were made in the maintenance area during 1962.

The maintenance float program has been expanded to include a number of assemblies and subassemblies used in repair of equipment. With this expansion the maintenance float continues to provide a pool of replacement equipment to be used for exchange thus reducing the time during which combat units might be without essential combat equipment while awaiting field maintenance. In addition, it now provides a means to expedite field maintenance by exchange of these assemblies.

Definite guidelines have been issued to field commanders to assist them in the command management of their resources. This guidance emphasizes the need for the commander to assess the state of personnel combat proficiency vis-a-vis the materiel readiness of the command and to utilize available funds to maintain a balance between the two.

Fundamentally a retailer, the Marine Corps has adjusted without great difficulty to its role in the Defense Supply Agency structure and participates in the integrated manager concept. In support of the Defense Supply Agency and General Services Administration the Marine Corps is currently providing 570,000 square feet of covered storage space and has reserved 220,000 square feet for Defense Supply Agency capitalization of stocks. The Defense Supply Agency distribution plan, which has been approved by the Department of Defense, does not include the two Marine Corps supply centers. The current Defense Supply Agency mission assigned to these centers will be eliminated upon the removal of DSA material now located thereat. This removal should be completed by the end of fiscal year 1964. Plans are being made for the effective utilization of this space.

The Marine Corps makes maximum use of cross-service agreements with other services, particularly in the area of maintenance and modification.

Materiel

The additional procurement funds authorized in fiscal year 1962 permitted the Marine Corps to accelerate the modernization of equipment and to build mobilization reserve stocks toward assigned levels. The continuation of procurement funding in fiscal year 1963 at approximately the fiscal year 1962 level permitted the continuation of this program. Many modernization items in the area of engineer, materiel handling, and communications equipment, as well as ammunition, are beginning to be received. These items and the buildup in stock levels are enhancing the capability of the Fleet Marine Forces to conduct amphibious operations in either a limited or a general war situation, as well as to equip and support mobilized units.

Ground Weapons and Equipment

The organic direct support artillery weapons within the Marine division are principally World War II types. A requirement exists for improved direct support artillery weapons to replace the present 105-millimeter howitzers and 4.2inch mortars. In the near future the howtar, a 4.2-inch mortar mounted on a 75-millimeter-pack howitzer carriage, will replace the present 4.2-inchmortars.

The general support battalion, artillery regiment of the Marine division is now equipped with the towed 155 millimeter howitzer. The funds provided during fiscal years 1962 and 1963 will permit requipping these units with the new 155 millimeter, self-propelled, howitzer, T-196 during fiscal year 1964.

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Force troops units continue to provide intermediate and long-range artillery support utilizing 155 millimeter self-propelled guns and 8-inch self-propelled howitzers.

As was reported last year, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic was equipped with the M-14 rifle and the M-60 machine gun by January of 1962. Fleet Marine Force, Pacific has now been so equipped. Sufficient weapons are on hand to equip the 4th Division wing team. As additional weapons are received, we will equip the remainder of the active Marine Corps establishments and the Marine Corps Reserve. The Marine Corps will continue to train with 30 caliber weapons in the infantry training regiments until the existing stock of 30 caliber ammunition on hand is exhausted.

The grenade launcher M-79 is programed for issuance to the Marine division. The lethal punch contained in this weapon-ammunition combination will increase greatly the firepower of the Marine rifle squad.

Current small unit antitank capability is vested in the M-7A3 rifle grenade, 3.5-inch rocket launcher, and 106 millimeter recoilless rifle. The latter is organic to infantry battalions and is also mounted on Ontos. Of the six recoilless rifles on Ontos, two can be removed and placed with the infantry to thicken their fires.

In addition, a light antitank assault weapon (LAAW) has been programed as a replacement for the antitank (AT) rifle grenade and a portion of the 3.5inch rocket launchers. This weapon has been designated as the M-72. It is a disposable launcher which fires a shaped-charged rocket and is well suited for close-in antitank protection and light assault work. Training with the M-72 will commence early in fiscal year 1964.

The Marine Corps is continuing to modernize its tanks, antitank and amphibious vehicles. Fiscal year 1961, 1962, and 1963 funds will permit completion of the landing vehicle, tracked (LVT) modernization program during fiscal year 1964. The landing vehicle, tracked, engineer, known as the LVTE-1, is currently being produced with funds provided in fiscal year 1961 and 1962. This vehicle transports and launches the M-125 line charge. This combination of engineer vehicle and line charge is designed to provide a mine clearance capability to the Fleet Marine Forces and will be issued during the first quarter of fiscal year 1964.

The first medium tank modernized to the M-48A3 configuration is expected in March of this year. Receipt of the first modernized flamethrower tanks are scheduled for April. These tanks, equipped with diesel engines, with a greatly increased cruising range will reduce both fuel and maintenance requirements. Both of these vehicles incorporate all possible modernization parts and components currently produced for the M-60 tank. By October, all active Marine Corps forces will be equipped with the M-48A3 and M-67A2 tanks. By the end of 1963 these vehicles will have been issued to the Marine Corps Reserve.

The 120 millimeter gun tank, M-103A1 is being modernized with fiscal year 1963 funds. When modernized, it will be known as the M-103A2 and will contain as many M-60 parts and components as practicable. It will have a significant increase in cruising range while requiring less logistical support than that required by the M-103A1. The M-103A2 tank is currently scheduled to reach the Fleet Marine Forces in March 1964.

The M-50 (Ontos) antitank weapon is being modernized with fiscal year 1963 funds and will be redesignated the M-50A1. These vehicles will be delivered to the Marine Corps from modernization with an improved engine, a track possessing a longer life than the present track, a night firing capability, and signicant improvement in both safety and reliability. Present plans call for equipping the Fleet Marine Forces with modernized Ontos during the second half of fiscal year 1964.

There are in the Marine Corps three light antiaircraft missile battalions and the cadre for a fourth. During the Cuba crisis one of these light antiaircraft missile battalions was deployed from Twentynine Palms, Calif. to the east coast.

Shipping

The numbers and types of amphibious ships are of vital importance to the Marine Corps as well as to the Navy. Current amphibious shipping is only sufficient to lift, simultaneously, the assault elements of 14 division wing Most of this tonnage was built during World War II.

teams.