Last post here for a while as I'm deploying shortly...
This article demonstratives the power and initiative of small, cohesive teams of forward-deployed Sailors. Over the past few years, Maritime Civil Affairs Teams (MCATs) have done some great work in shaping and stability operations, primarily in support of CJSOTF-P and CJTF-HOA. I was a bit surprised by last year's consolidation of two units with somewhat different roles: NECC's MCAG and ETG. Civil Affairs is primarily a population-centric mission, while ETG's focus was on developing partner navies (SFA/FID). I'm sure there was some measure of cost savings and efficiencies factored into the decision. But there are also some overlaps in training and complementary skill sets for these missions including the ability to operate on the ground independently and language, regional, and cultural expertise. Unfortunately, it is still difficult for these trained and experienced Sailors to re-tour with NECC.
It will be interesting watch how the Navy and NECC integrate MCAST capabilities into combatant commanders' theater engagement strategies over the next few years. MCAST units have an additional bit of flexibility over similar joint capabilities -- they can deploy rapidly by air (as in Haiti), deploy persistently (CJTF HOA), but unlike their Army brethren, they also embark on afloat partnership stations. Hopefully, MCAST is here to stay. But unfortunately, history shows that non-standard (meaning not ships, aircraft, or subs) units tend to be the first to face the Navy's budget knife.
The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author alone and are presented in his personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Defense or any of its agencies.
This article demonstratives the power and initiative of small, cohesive teams of forward-deployed Sailors. Over the past few years, Maritime Civil Affairs Teams (MCATs) have done some great work in shaping and stability operations, primarily in support of CJSOTF-P and CJTF-HOA. I was a bit surprised by last year's consolidation of two units with somewhat different roles: NECC's MCAG and ETG. Civil Affairs is primarily a population-centric mission, while ETG's focus was on developing partner navies (SFA/FID). I'm sure there was some measure of cost savings and efficiencies factored into the decision. But there are also some overlaps in training and complementary skill sets for these missions including the ability to operate on the ground independently and language, regional, and cultural expertise. Unfortunately, it is still difficult for these trained and experienced Sailors to re-tour with NECC.
It will be interesting watch how the Navy and NECC integrate MCAST capabilities into combatant commanders' theater engagement strategies over the next few years. MCAST units have an additional bit of flexibility over similar joint capabilities -- they can deploy rapidly by air (as in Haiti), deploy persistently (CJTF HOA), but unlike their Army brethren, they also embark on afloat partnership stations. Hopefully, MCAST is here to stay. But unfortunately, history shows that non-standard (meaning not ships, aircraft, or subs) units tend to be the first to face the Navy's budget knife.
The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author alone and are presented in his personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Defense or any of its agencies.
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