R 022158Z FEB 16
MARADMIN 052/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/AVAILABILITY OF MCWP 3-31.8, DEFENSE OF THE AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE//
REF/A/DOC/CMC/17JUL12//
AMPN/REF A IS MCO 5600.31A MARINE CORPS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING REGULATIONS//
POC/JEFFREY P. SCOFIELD/LTCOL/CDI, CDD, MID/-/TEL:  DSN 278-6217/TEL:  COML 703-784-6217/EMAIL:  JEFFREY.SCOFIELD(AT)USMC.MIL//
RMKS/1.  The Commander, Naval Warfare Development Command (NWDC) and the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration have published Naval Warfare Publication (NWP) 3-02.1.4M/Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-31.8, Defense of the Amphibious Task Force; dated September 2015.  On 26 January 2016, NWDC cleared NWP 3-02.1.4M/MCWP 3-31.8 for electronic release.  This publication is available for download from the United States Marine Corps doctrine website at https:(slant)(slant)www.doctrine.usmc.mil.
2.  Background
    (a) Navy Warfare Publication 3-02.1.4M/MCWP 3-31.8 is a dual-Service publication used for planning and executing the defense of the amphibious task force.  It provides doctrinal guidance for United States Navy and United States Marine Corps units supporting the defense of the amphibious task force.
    (b) This publication replaces Navy Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures 3-02.1.4M/MCWP 3-31.8, Defense of the Expeditionary Strike Group.
    (c) Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-31.8 is written for staffs and personnel working for the commander, amphibious task force, the commander, landing force, and the potential escort ships that may be called upon to defend the amphibious task force.  Trainers and educators throughout the Navy and Marine Corps will also use this manual.  It is consistent with joint and multinational doctrine within the constraints of established higher level doctrine.
3.  Coordinating Instructions.  Reference (a) details steps required for requesting hard copies of the publication; however, this publication will be disseminated via electronic distribution. Units requiring print allocations must follow procedures identified in reference (a), paragraph 4a(2).  For Marine Corps Publication Distribution System (MCPDS) identification purposes, the publication control number is 143 000154 00.
4.  This MARADMIN is applicable to Marine Corps Total Force.
5.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.//