MCO 1500.53B — Marine Air-ground Task Force Staff Training Program

MCO 1500.53B governs the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training Program and its training and exercise activities.

Search MCO 1500.53B

  • Publication number: MCO 1500.53B
  • Title: MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM
  • Date: 5 Mar 2013
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: Current

View MCO 1500.53B on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes training for MAGTF commanders and staffs through workshops, seminars, planning applications, command post exercises, and after action reviews. It requires a comprehensive five-part training package for MAGTF commanders and staffs at least once every 2 years.

Topics covered

  • MAGTF staff training
  • Warfighting seminars
  • Planning practical applications
  • Command post exercises
  • After action reviews
  • MAGTF staff augmentation

Questions and answers

What training does the MSTP provide?

The MSTP will provide training in MAGTF operations across the range of military operations, within the context of a Joint and/or Combined Task Force environment, to improve the warfighting skills of senior commanders and their staffs. (paragraph 3)

How often must the MAGTF training package be delivered?

Training in support of Marine Corps Forces will be provided in the form of a comprehensive (but adaptable) five-part training package delivered to MAGTF (MEF/MEB) commanders and staffs at least once every 2 years as directed in reference (b) . (paragraph 4)

What must MAGTF commanders and staffs possess?

MAGTF commanders and their staffs must possess the requisite planning, decision-making, execution and assessment skills to optimize operational success. (paragraph 4)

What does the planning practical application include?

Instruction as required in the Marine Corps Planning Process will be followed by practical application of command and staff actions in planning, to include the production of a written operations order or fragmentary order to support the execution of a CPX. (paragraph 4)

What follows the command post exercise?

The CPX will be closely followed by a facilitated AAR based on the observations from the trainers. (paragraph 4)

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