I MEF Mission Statement

When directed, I MEF deploys and is employed as a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) in support of Combatant Commander (COCOM) requirements for contingency response or Major Theater War; with appropriate augmentation, serves as the core element of a Joint Task Force (JTF); prepares and deploys combat ready MAGTFÍs to support COCOM presence and crisis response; and supports service and COCOM initiatives as required.

COMMANDING GENERAL'S WAY AHEAD

"Once war comes, my advice is to draw the sword ... and throw away the scabbard."
-General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Since the birth of our Corps, Marines have stood ever vigilant, ready to visit violence upon those who would threaten the forces of freedom and democracy. To this end, the warriors of the First Marine Expeditionary Force remain engaged in sustained combat operations against the terrorist movement while simultaneously preparing for multiple deployments to the far reaches of the globe. Long-standing traditions of excellence and readiness mark this MEF among the premier fighting forces called upon to eliminate those who would traffic in evil and hate in this world.

Our charter is simple: Destroy the enemy's will to fight, or destroy him where he stands. This is the warrior's calling and in this task we shall not fail.

The Marine Corps' unparalleled success is not founded in the superiority of the weapons we wield, but rather in the superior individuals who employ whatever weapon is at hand, be it bomb, missile, rifle, or bayonet. Our mission is putting steel on target, delivering the finest fighter in world, the U.S. Marine, to the fight, supplying him on the battlefield, and returning him home safely. The foundation of our success remains the aggressive, combat-focused leadership, character, and professionalism that define the warriors of I MEF.

Warriorship knows neither rank, nor MOS. The warrior ethos is passed from senior to junior and cultivated in an environment of collective trust bred from tough training and shared hardship. Thus, the warrior's ethos must reside in the heart and manifest in the steadfast leadership of every Marine in this MEF, from our most senior commander to the most junior warrior. No system, machine, process, or policy will ever take the place of strong, consistent, and dynamic leadership.

Leadership serves not as an end unto itself, but as a means to an end ... and that end is victory on the battlefield. Leadership means perpetually training ourselves and our Marines for the tasks at hand, constantly striving for higher levels of excellence, and devoting endless effort to hone the readiness of our fighting edge. Leadership requires tireless concern for every Marine's well-being and safety in order to preserve our warfighting capability. Positive, aggressive, focused leadership is the tool we use to hone the sword of victory.

As I look into the future, I see this MEF as a dedicated force-in-readiness built around the highest standards of excellence. I envision a professional warrior corps; dedicated to vigilance; trained to a razor's edge; vested in continual education; grounded in respect for authority, each other, and all humanity; and led with verve and skill from the lowest level to the top.

Thus, I charge every Marine and sailor with the following:

Strive for excellence

Better yourself, your Marines, and your unit. Strive to become more engaged and more focused, so that together we can continue to refine our professional skills to a lethal edge.

Lead

Accept only superior performance from yourself and your Marines. Mediocrity is incompatible with the warrior ethos, as is seeing a problem and doing nothing about it. If something is broken, fix it. If something could be better, make it so. Mentor your Marines and teach them to do the same.

Prepare for combat

Well-trained Marines, be they infantry, pilots, or administrators, are absolutely essential to successful combat operations. We train to a rigorous and demanding set of mission essential tasks that translate into combat readiness.

Preserve readiness

The readiness of every Marine to perform the most difficult tasks under the most severe conditions is equally important as our material readiness. To this end, we must maintain the highest physical, mental, and moral standards. From MOS proficiency, basic marksmanship, physical fitness, personal conduct, and daily behavior, to the strength of our families, our ability to instantly respond to our nation's call is as critical as the readiness of our equipment and machines.

The strength of I MEF comes from the collective skill of every Marine and sailor within this force. We shall continue our long-standing record of accomplishing every task necessary to maintain our equipment, build our warrior ethos, and defeat our enemies - for we know that every mission we execute, every wrench we tum, every convoy we run, and every step we take to hone our warrior skills in the air, on land, or at sea, reflects upon the credit and success of our MEF and our Corps.

The United States Marine Corps is built upon a long tradition of developing Marines into trained, confident warriors who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing spectrum of violence. Through unparalleled professionalism, tireless leadership, and perpetual readiness, I MEF will uphold the finest traditions of the Marine Corps. The hallmark of our professionalism will be victory on our nation's battlefields, both at home and abroad.

Semper Fidelis

Samuel T. Helland

Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force