(DoD) A Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) that is constructed around an infantry battalion reinforced, a helicopter squadron reinforced, and a task-organized combat service support element. It normally fulfills Marine Corps forward sea-based deployment requirements. The Marine expeditionary unit provides an immediate reaction capability for crisis response and is capable of limited combat operations. Also called MEU. See also aviation combat element; combat service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable); special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). marine expeditionary unit. Retrieved September 24, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/marine_expeditionary_unit/definitions/1957532 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "marine expeditionary unit" http://smartdefine.org/marine_expeditionary_unit/definitions/1957532 (accessed September 24, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, marine expeditionary unit, Smart Define, viewed 24 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/marine_expeditionary_unit/definitions/1957532>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "marine expeditionary unit" 4 April 2011. Web. 24 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/marine_expeditionary_unit/definitions/1957532> |