In a Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which element serves as the Ground Combat Element?

• A. Marine Aircraft Group
• B. Combat Logistics Regiment
• C. Reinforced Infantry Regiment
• D. Amphibious Assault Vehicle Battalion

Answer: (C)

The element that handles ground maneuver and combat power in a Marine Expeditionary Brigade is the reinforced infantry regiment. This unit forms the backbone of the Ground Combat Element, providing the primary capability to seize, hold, and defend terrain on land. It is task-organized with infantry, supported by armor (such as amphibious assault vehicles when appropriate), artillery, engineers, and other enablers to meet the mission.

The Marine Aircraft Group belongs to the Aviation Combat Element and delivers air power; the Combat Logistics Regiment belongs to the Logistics Combat Element and handles sustainment and support; the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Battalion, while a key maneuver component within the GCE, is not the element as a whole.