Final answer:
The ground element of a Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Battalion Landing Team (BLT), made up of about 1,200 Marines that include three Rifle companies. This formation forms the combat-ready ground forces of the MEU, capable of conducting a wide range of military missions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ground element of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a Battalion Landing Team (BLT), comprised of a reinforced infantry battalion of approximately 1,200 Marines, including three Rifle companies. A BLT is a heavily reinforced infantry battalion, which is the fighting element of the MEU, prepared for a variety of missions including ground combat operations.
The integration of infantry, armor, artillery, aerial and logistical support makes a BLT a versatile and self-sufficient combat unit. The Marine Corps has a storied history, with notable engagements in WWII, such as the Battle of Iwo Jima, the peacekeeping mission in Beirut, and the modern conflicts in the Middle East. This organization and flexibility have played an integral role in the Marines’ ability to adapt to a changing world and operational commitments that have expanded far beyond the “One weekend a month, two weeks a year” training tempo.