The MCDPs

MCDP 1, Warfighting-is a revision of FMFM 1 which was originally published in 1989. MCDP 1 retains the style, spirit, and basic concepts of the original while refining and expanding upon the warfighting philosophy expressed in FMFM 1 Key additioins to the, manual include all expanded discussion of the nature of war, a more detailed description of the styles of warfare, and clarification of key doctrinal terms such as commander’s intent, main effort, centers of gravity, and critical vulnerabilities.

• • MCDP 1-1, Strategy-is a new manual designed to give Marine leaders at fundamental understanding ol military strategy. MCDP 1-1 is not a guidebook for how to make strategy or a critique or endorsement of any particular strategy. Rather, it provides its readers with the basic knowledge to “think strategically” through the examination of the strategic environment, the relationship between policy, strategy, ends, and means, the use of various strategic approaches, and the strategy development process. Such knowledge is essential to understanding the context in which military operations are conducted and how actions at the tactical and operational level impact on attainment of national objectives.
  • MCDP 1-2, Campaigning-is a revision of FMFM 1-1, Campaigning. Campaigning focuses on the operational level of war and the military campaign used to organize tactical actions to achieve strategic objectives. MCDP 1-2 develops and refines the concepts of the original manual based upon recent operational experience and the evolution of military operations in the post-Cold War world. The update publication has three significant additions: an expanded discussion of the linkage between strategic objectives and the campaign, a section on conflict termination. and section entitled “synergy” which describes how key capabilities are harmonized in the conduct of the campaign.
  • MCDP 1-3, Tactics-is also a revision of all existing manual, FMFM 1-3, Tactics. MCDP 1-3 addresses the theory of tactics and the application of maneuver warfare to the tactical level of War. It emphasizes that success on the battlefield comes not just from excellence in -weapons or procedures, but from leaders who can think creatively and act decisively. Key updates to Tactic, include a new chapter on exploiting success and expanded sections on adapting, tempo and gaining advantage.

MCDP 2, Intelligence-is the first of five new manals which address the key warfighting functions. MCDP 2 provides Marines with a framework for understanding the importance of intelligence to the conduc of maneuver warfare and a basis for the execution of effective intelligence operations. The publication stresses that intelligence provides not just information, but knowledge in support of decisionmaking; that intelligence can reduce but never eliminate the uncertainty inherent in the nature of war; that intelligence is inseparable from operations and is used to shape the execution of successful military actions and, finally, that intelligence is an inherent responsibility of command which requires the commander’s direct and personal involvement.

MCDP 3, Expeditionary Operations-describes the organization and concepts used by Marines in the conduct of expeditionary operations. MCDP 3 applies the warfighting philosophy of MCDP 1 to the operations of the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) and the expeditionary settings in which MAGTFs operate. It discusses the expeditionary environment, the nature off expeditionary operations, the naval expeditionary forces, MAGTFs, Marine component commands, and expeditionary concepts such as operational maneuver from the sea, sustained operations ashore, and military operations other than war. As the first doctrinal manual published since the early 1 990s to address these topics, Expeditionary, Operations is intended to educate and guide Marines in the empoyment of Marine Corps capabilities and forces.

MCDP 4, Logistics-provides a conceptual framework for the understanding and practice of effective logistics in maneuver warfare and expeditionary operations. MCDP 4 describes logistics as a fundamental elelement of warfighting whose purpose is to provide the commander with the physical means to prevail in an environment off complexity fluidity and uncertainty. The manual identifies the goal of Marine logistics as extending our operational limits while permitting us to remain adaptable and responsive to changing conditions in the battlespace.

MCDP 5, Planning-describes how we use planning to effectively prepare for operations when the future is uncertain. MCDP 5 emphasizes that planning is a fundamental element of maneuver warfare which involves both the science of war through analysis, and the art of war through synthesis, judgment, and creativity. Planning describes the nature and types of plans and planning, the theory which underlies the development of and the keys to effective planning within the context of` maneuver warfare.

MCDP 6, Command & Control-defines command and control as the means by which a Commander recognizes what needs to be done and sees that appropriate action is taken. It emphasizes that the essence of command and control is the art of military decision making and details an approach that enables us to reach decisions and take action faster than our adversaries. MCDP 6 explores the nature of command and control, the challenges to command and control in both the infromation age and the uncertain environment of war, and outlines effective approaches for leadership decisionmaking, information management, and command and control organization, procedures, and equipment.

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