Marine Corps Reference Publication MCRP 3-20.3 (Formerly MCWP 3-27)
Operational Support Airlift 2 May 2016
Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-27, Operational Support Airlift, provides a framework for the integration and effective employment of operational support assets during war and times of crisis, and it covers all aspects of operational support airlift (OSA), with emphasis on support for Marine air-ground task force operations.
Operational support airlift doctrine is based on a common understanding of Marine Corps warfighting philosophy as defined in our doctrinal publications and concepts and is grounded in experience. Marine Corps OSA detachments have been deployed in support of Marines in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa since 2003. The lessons learned from these operations have been incorporated into this publication. It applies across a range of military operations— from humanitarian assistance to major campaigns. MCWP 3-27 is meant for Marines at all levels of command in the Marine Corps operating forces and the supporting establishment as a guide to using OSA as an enhancement to their mission. This publication defines OSA, highlights capabilities and limitations of OSA, recommends structure for command and control of OSA, and discusses OSA employment and scheduling.
Operational Support Airlift 2 May 2016
Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-27, Operational Support Airlift, provides a framework for the integration and effective employment of operational support assets during war and times of crisis, and it covers all aspects of operational support airlift (OSA), with emphasis on support for Marine air-ground task force operations.
Operational support airlift doctrine is based on a common understanding of Marine Corps warfighting philosophy as defined in our doctrinal publications and concepts and is grounded in experience. Marine Corps OSA detachments have been deployed in support of Marines in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa since 2003. The lessons learned from these operations have been incorporated into this publication. It applies across a range of military operations— from humanitarian assistance to major campaigns. MCWP 3-27 is meant for Marines at all levels of command in the Marine Corps operating forces and the supporting establishment as a guide to using OSA as an enhancement to their mission. This publication defines OSA, highlights capabilities and limitations of OSA, recommends structure for command and control of OSA, and discusses OSA employment and scheduling.
