Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approves a Centcom request for a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Pentagon Is Moving Additional Marines Middle East
The Wall Street Journal reports Pentagon Is Moving Additional Marines, Warships to the Middle East
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved a request from Centcom for an element of an amphibious ready group and attached Marine expeditionary unit, typically consisting of several warships and 5,000 Marines and sailors, according to three U.S. officials.
President Trump said that it is unlikely Iranians will rise up soon against the regime and that he would “feel it in my bones” when the Iran war should end.
All six crew members aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq on Thursday have died, according to U.S. Central Command. Thirteen servicemembers have been killed in action during Operation Epic Fury, according to the military.
What Are Marine Expeditionary Units?
Wikipedia: A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is the smallest air–ground task force (MAGTF) in the United States Fleet Marine Force. Each MEU is an expeditionary rapid reaction force ready to answer any crisis, whether it be disaster aid or a combat mission.Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) was the name used until the late 1980s.
A MEU is usually commanded by a colonel, and is deployed from amphibious assault ships. Currently, a MEU embarks personnel and equipment on the amphibious warfare ships of an expeditionary strike group (ESG), which also includes escort warships and submarines to protect them from air, surface, and submarine threats. For further protection and strong air support, an ESG is often deployed along with one or more carrier strike groups.
AI: MEUs are a powerful, mobile force deployable from self-contained floating sea bases. The MEU is uniquely equipped and forward-deployed to respond to any threat, protect any American or ally, or squash any menace at any place in the world, often within hours.
Boots on the Ground
I fail to see how this is anything but boots on the ground. However, polymarket see things differently.
Polymarket Odds
- Will the U.S. invade Iran before 2027? 43% and rising
- Will the U.S. invade Iran by March 31? 18% and falling
How Long Will it Take to Deploy?
How Vietnam Started
Trump Says U.S. Bombs ‘Obliterated’ Military Targets on Kharg Island
The Wall Street Journal reports Trump Says U.S. Bombs ‘Obliterated’ Military Targets on Kharg Island
President Trump said on social media that the U.S. “obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” the country’s main oil export terminal. The operation was meant to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that has been largely blocked for oil exports except Iran’s own. But it could escalate the conflict because Iran has told Persian Gulf states it would attack their energy infrastructure if Kharg Island were hit.
Earlier, Trump said the U.S. Navy would start escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “very soon.” The Pentagon is moving a Marine expeditionary unit and more warships to the Middle East.
What Just Happened?
Jet Fuel
In the Stupid Department
Impeach Hegseth
Trump Did Not Listen
Trump takes orders from Netanyahu and listens to Jared, his son-in-law.
Article posted with permission from Mish Shedlock
