Landing Force Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (LF CARAT) 2012 is comprised of multiple bilateral exercises, which are conducted alongside the Naval and Marine/Army forces of partner Southeast Asian nations. The exercises constitute significant theater security cooperation events for the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, Marine Forces Pacific, and the U.S. Pacific Command.
The primary exercising force is a Naval Task Force, which has been designated by Command Seventh Fleet. Included are embarked Marine Corps forces, which compose the landing force. The landing force conducts tailored exercises with counterpart armed force elements, alongside adjacent Naval exercises conducted concurrently. The scope, size, and details of each exercise varies depending on individual tailoring in the host nation's request for subject matter exchange.
For the 2012 exercise, the landing force is composed of an Infantry Rifle Company, Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, and Headquarters. 4th Marine Regiment is the operational command element. The landing force is embarked throughout the exercise.