A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a forward-deployed, self-sustaining MAGTF of about how many Marines, and what are its typical missions?

• A. About 3,500 Marines; strategic bombardment
• B. About 1,000 Marines; training exercises only
• C. About 5,000 Marines; full-scale invasion
• D. About 2,000 Marines; crisis response, HA/DR, and limited combat

Answer: (D)

A MEU is a forward-deployed, self-sustaining MAGTF built to respond quickly, and its size is about 2,000 Marines and sailors. That combination lets it operate from sea to shore with its own aviation, ground combat, and logistics elements for a limited period without immediate external support. Its typical missions are crisis response to unfolding events, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and limited combat operations as needed to accomplish objectives or protect forces and civilians. The other options describe forces that are either much larger or assign missions (like strategic bombardment or full-scale invasion) that aren’t characteristic of a MEU’s scope.