A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a unit of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) that is designed to be a rapidly deployable, self-sustaining force that can respond to a wide range of military operations. MEUs are typically composed of a command element, a ground combat element, an aviation combat element, and a logistics combat element. This is why the USMC First In Last Out MEU Expeditionary Marine Corps Challenge Coin was created for the Warfighters of our Corps!

A MEU typically includes:

  • A Battalion Landing Team (BLT) of about 1,000 Marines and sailors, which includes a rifle company, a weapons company, and a headquarters element.
  • A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) of MV-22B Osprey aircraft and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, which provides the MEU with a significant airlift and assault capability.
  • A Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB), which provides the MEU with essential logistics, supply, and maintenance support.

Marine Expeditionary Units are designed to be highly mobile, flexible, and self-sufficient, and they are capable of a wide range of military operations, including amphibious assaults, raids, humanitarian operations, and non-combatant evacuation operations. MEUs are typically deployed aboard amphibious assault ships, which are specially designed to transport, launch, and support the MEU’s ground, air, and logistics elements.

MEUs are considered as the Marine Corps’ force in readiness, they are able to respond quickly to crises around the world and provide a flexible and capable force that can operate independently or as part of a larger coalition.

USMC First Go Last To Know

“First Go, Last To Know” is a phrase used to describe the nature of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and its role in military operations. It reflects the Marines’ reputation as the first branch of the military to be sent into combat, and the last to be informed of the details of a mission or operation.

USMC First In Last Out MEU Expeditionary Marine Corps Challenge Coin

The phrase “First Go” refers to the Marines’ readiness and willingness to be the first to go into combat, to be the first to engage the enemy and to be the first to complete the mission. This is due to the nature of the USMC as an amphibious force, which is capable of deploying quickly and with little notice.

The phrase “Last To Know” reflects the fact that, while the Marines are often the first to be sent into combat, they are often the last to be informed of the details of a mission or operation. This is due to the fast-paced nature of combat operations, and the need for the Marines to be flexible and adaptable in the face of rapidly changing circumstances.

This phrase is often used to convey the Marines’ sense of pride and professionalism, and to emphasize their unique role as a force that is always ready and willing to go into combat at a moment’s notice, despite the fact that they may not have all the information or resources that they need.