MCWP 3-31 governs fires and effects doctrine in Marine air-ground task force operations, including lethal and nonlethal effects.
View MCWP 3-31 on armypubs.army.mil
It addresses MAGTF capabilities, fires and information activities, and the roles and responsibilities of the fires and effects coordination center. Its methodology provides a systematic approach to planning, integrating, executing, and assessing fires and information activities.
Applies to: It applies to all Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), but its focus is at the Marine expeditionary force level.
The battle rhythm should be sequenced with a logical flow of inputs and outputs between events that ultimately support command decision requirements. (paragraph 3)
In general, targeting, air coordination, information, and collections working group outputs are integrated and synchronized at the fires and effects working group and briefed at the fires and effects board for decision. (paragraph 3)
Dynamic targeting guidance should not be limited to a prioritized list of target types and categories. (paragraph 5-3)
Per CJCSI 3370.01, entities or objects not assessed as valid military targets are not placed on target lists. (paragraph 4-7)
The format of this list should include the relevant actor’s name, location, desired effect(s), engagement capability, assessment metrics, etc. (paragraph 4-7)