US Amphibious Forces: Critical Capabilities and Strategic Shortfalls

The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) demonstrated their versatility through various missions in 2025, highlighting the critical role of ARG/MEU teams in the US military. However, the reduced readiness of amphibious ships often keeps these forces ashore when they are most needed overseas. The US military aims to maintain three ARG/MEU teams afloat at all times, but ship shortages have limited this to two, impacting forward presence and deterrence capabilities.