R 311530Z JAN 22
ALMAR 002/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/INTERIM CHANGE TO MCO 3502.3C MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (MEU) PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (PTP)//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this ALMAR is to provide an immediate update to MCO 3502.3C Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP) regarding Service intent, requirements and responsibilities for the evaluation and certification of units prior to Change of Operational Posture (CHOP) or deployment.
2.  The following changes apply to MCO 3502.3C Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP) (dated 13 Sep 2019).
2.a.  Change paragraph 4.a.2.b.2. “Reference (a) requires units to composite to the MEU no later than 180 days before deployment (E-180).  Prior to composite, Major Subordinate Elements (MSEs),attaching units, and individual augments will complete all non-MEU specific core MET training in accordance with (IAW) reference (c) and the applicable Training and Readiness (T&R) manuals.  Establishing a solid training base prior to composite allows the MEU to increase its emphasis on unit training, specialized skills, and integration earlier in the MEU PTP timeline.  Additionally,  completing non-MEU specific core-plus MET training will enhance PTP training by allowing the MEU to execute more difficult mission sets prior to deployment (e.g. afloat training in low visibility conditions).  MSC CGs shall conduct a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) for their respective MSEs, namely, the GCE, the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), and the LCE, prior to MEU composite.  Aviation parent units shall ensure that their detachments complete a MCCRE of their type/model/series’ METL within six months of CHOP to the VMM (REIN) or designated core squadron.  The detachment type/ model/series’ METL is maintained by COMMARFORCOM and can be found in the MCTIMS Task Master Module.  To the maximum extent practical, this training should be flown as a live event, but MAW Commanders may authorize virtual if leveraging linked simulators provides a better training environment and resource management.”
2.b.  Add paragraph 4.a.2.b.2.a., “Should Service processes not provide required staffing, training, or equipping to units no later than 90 days prior to MEU composite, or CHOP for units and task-organized forces:”
2.c.  Add paragraph 4.a.2.b.2.a.1., “MEF Commanders shall notify DC PP&O of Service shortfalls resulting in causal factors (e.g., staffing, training, or equipping shortfalls) via their chain of command.”
2.d.  Add paragraph 4.a.2.b.2.a.2., “DC PP&O will address Service shortfalls with responsible Service entity (e.g., staffing with DC, M&RA; training with CG TECOM; equipping with DC, I&L).”
2.e.  Add paragraph 4.a.2.b.2.a.3., “MEF commanders have the authority to waive the timeline to meet certification, but shall ensure certification by MSC commanders is completed as soon as conditions permit.”
2.f.  Change paragraph 4.c.3.c. to read, “At composite, the Logistics Combat Element (LCE), the Ground Combat Element (GCE), and aviation detachments by type/model/series, will arrive core MET trained and certified, based upon their community’s T&R manual.  The initial training stage marks the start of the MEU Pre-Deployment Training Program (PTP) and consists of specialized training courses and core MEU MET training.  The initial training stage begins with ITE and advances to unit-level tactical combat drills and CTE that support the MEU METL.  The following forms the baseline for the initial stage:”
2.g.  Change paragraph 4.c.3.c.11. to read, “Underwater Egress Training.  The underwater egress training program is established to enhance the survivability of ground forces and non-aircrew personnel in aquatic mishaps involving aircraft and wheeled or tracked vehicles.  The Modular Amphibious Egress Trainer (MAET) is required for all personnel conducting flight operations.  The Submerged Vehicle Egress Training (SVET) is required for all personnel conducting amphibious vehicle waterborne operations.  Personnel who fail to successfully complete the SVET/MAET are not authorized to conduct overwater flight or amphibious vehicle waterborne operations. MAET or SVET training, if successfully completed, is certified for four years with the exception of amphibious vehicle crewmembers who must requalify every two years.  The Shallow Water Egress Trainer (SWET) is not sufficient for completing either the flight operations or amphibious vehicle waterborne operations requirement.  In situations where unplanned personnel will be required to embark on amphibious vehicles conducting waterborne operations (normally requiring SVET), O-6 Commanders may authorize temporary waivers provided the individual is MAET and water survival qualification complete.  In situations where unplanned personnel will be required to conduct overwater flight operations (normally requiring MAET), O-6 Commanders may authorize temporary waivers provided the  individual is SVET and water survival qualification complete.  Commanders will designate personnel into the appropriate category based on whether amphibious vehicle waterborne operations or overwater flight are more likely, by unit.
a.  Category A – Amphibious Vehicle Operations.  Personnel who are more likely to engage in amphibious vehicle waterborne operations when compared to overwater flight operations.  This primarily applies to the Mechanized Infantry Company of the Battalion Landing Team and their attachments.  Personnel who operate with Light Armored Vehicles should also be assigned to Category A.  Personnel assigned to this category must successfully complete the SVET.
b.  Category B – Overwater Flight.  Personnel who are more likely to engage in overwater flight operations when compared to amphibious vehicle waterborne operations.  Personnel assigned to this category must successfully complete the MAET.”
3.  Release authorized by David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//