On September 28th, 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. Comprised of 2200 Marines and Sailors, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC 17.1 was deployed for 9 months, and conducted crisis response, contingency operations, and theater security cooperation events (TSC), in addition to providing increased support for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). The SMPAGTF-CR-CC maximized readiness opportunities throughout their deployment, and conducted training that increased personnel and unit proficiency.

While deployed, the SPMAGTF supported OIR requirements, and OIR.  This support included Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), crisis response capabilities, and security, support to Task Force Al Asad and Al Taqqaddum, and Baghdad Embassy Security. Support to OIR was the major focus of effort for the deployment, as the SPMAGTF provided forces to bolster security at coalition bases in Iraq, and advise and assist missions conducted by the Marine Corps and Joint Task Forces.

Additionally, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC conducted TSC engagements in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The SPMAGTF provided support to, and trained with, the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) – Quick Action Force (QRF) and the 77th Marine Brigade, and conducted further exercises in Kuwait and Tajikistan.

Additionally, the SPMAGTF provided support to USMC logistic and cyber innovation efforts by exploring additive manufacturing during their deployment, and equipping Marines with 3D printers and training on computer aided design and digital library systems. The Cyber Protection Team (CPT) conducted the first tactical evaluation of the Security Enhancement Mission (SEM) in the USMC’s Middle East Domain to improve SPMAGTF’s cyberspace defense, and established an encrypted VPN Evaluation Network (SEVENet) to bolster security resources, and established secure internal chat capabilities across the SPMAGTF network.

The deployment proved to be mission successful, and according to Colonel William H. Vivian, USMC, commanding officer of the SPMAGTF-CR-CC 17., from a command element perspective the SPMAGTF was well-trained, prepared, and successfully executed all duties. For more information on the SPMAGTF, go to the Marine Corps Gazette.

Photo Credit: http://www.imef.marines.mil/Units/SPMAGTF-CR-CC/Photos/