Which combination of forces is most essential for successful expeditionary landings from sea?

• A. Amphibious ships, landing craft, and naval logistics
• B. Heavy bombers and long-range missiles
• C. Submarines and ballistic missiles
• D. Fixed-wing fighters only

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the ability to move and sustain forces from sea to shore. Amphibious ships provide the platform and staging at sea, landing craft carry Marines and their equipment from those ships to the beach, and naval logistics keeps the force supplied, fueled, and reinforced during the critical initial assault and the early build-up ashore. Without this combination, an expeditionary landing from the sea can’t be executed effectively.

The other options miss the mark because they emphasize elements not directly enabling the actual sea-to-shore assault: strategic airpower or missiles don’t deliver and sustain the landing; submarines and ballistic missiles are primarily deterrence/strategic assets; fixed-wing fighters alone don’t enable the transfer of troops or the critical sustainment needed for an invasion.