Past Events

A Special Ambassadors’ Forum:“The Current State of American Diplomacy and Future Outlook”
A Special Ambassadors’ Forum:“The Current State of American Diplomacy and Future Outlook”
In an uncertain political environment, with the retirement or resignation of so many experienced senior career Foreign Service Officers, American diplomacy is in danger of falling into a state of disarray. Can the United States maintain its global diplomatic primacy and leadership? Two former senior...
Biological Terrorism: International Dimensions
Biological Terrorism: International Dimensions
March 28, 2019 IUCTS Biological security concerns ranging from mother nature to man-made threats by state and non-state actors transcends geographic regions. Is the international community prepared to identify, prevent, counter, and respond to future biological challenges? What are the past less...
Security Strategies for Global Supply Chains
Security Strategies for Global Supply Chains
Many industries critical to national security depend on supply chains that today are highly interconnected and global in reach. Attacks and other disruptions to these supply chains can have serious downstream consequences to our economy, infrastructure, and military capabilities. The U.S. government...
"The Role of Diplomacy in Combating Terrorism: Past Lessons and Future Outlook"
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TERRORISM STUDIES AT POTOMAC INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES A Special Seminar on "The Role of Diplomacy in Combating Terrorism: Past Lessons and Future Outlook"
Combating Terrorism: National, Regional, and Global Lessons for the Next Decade and Beyond
Combating Terrorism: National, Regional, and Global Lessons for the Next Decade and Beyond
The Potomac Institute's International Center for Terrorism Studies on April 30th, 2018 held their 20th annual event on, "Combating Terrorism: National, Regional, and Global Lessons for the Next Decade and Beyond". Terrorism by state and non-state actors poses threats to individuals, communities, nat...
Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook
Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook
The Potomac Institute's International Center for Terrorism Studies hosted a seminar on March 1, 2018 entitled, "Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook". The Balkans remain vulnerable to several security concerns, including organized crime, terrorism, the refugee crisis, politica...

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A U.S. Marine aircraft crewman with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, performs pre-flight checks in support of Operation Inherent Resolve 

 

On March 16, 2017, the Center for Adaptation and Innovation (CAI) hosted the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) as part of its Returning Commander Speaker Series. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC 16.2 recently returned from a 9-month deployment to Southwest Asia, where they conducted approximately 130 operations as part of their enduring mission to provide crisis response to regions of instability. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a rotational contingent of 2,300 Marines and Sailors, that conducts theater security, crisis response, and sustainment operations in support of the Central Command Area of Operations.

During their deployment, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC provided support to Operation Inherent Resolve, and conducted regional crisis response, theatre security cooperation operations, and sustainment and advancing the force training. As part of their support to Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation that works with regional partners to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the SPMAGTF conducted offensive air support, and provided support to Task Force Spartan, Task Force Al Asad, and Al Taqaddum. Additionally, the SPMAGTF sent a force to Qayarrah West for 180 days, to advise and assist the Iraqi Army division and police in the clearance of Mosul.

While conducting theater security cooperation, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC led multiple exercises in Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Egypt as part of their security engagement plan. Additionally, the SPMAGTF supported exercise “Eager Lion,” the largest military exercise the the Central Command area of responsibility. This exercise is a bilateral training exercise, to integrate the Jordanian and U.S. military forces. According to Colonel Kenneth Kassner, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC commanding officer, “all training served to enhance combat and contingency operations, and advance individual and collective skill sets.”

A highlight of this deployment was the level of Navy-Marine Corps integration employed.
Joint Tactical Recovery of Aircraft & Personnel (TRAP) exercises between the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and the SPMAGTF-CR-CC were conducted, as was an aviation operation in support of Maritime Surface Warfare. The Marines ashore with the SPMAGTF also maintained close ties with their Navy and Marine Corps counterparts afloat throughout their deployment.