CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has composited as Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Next, marking the beginning of a rigorous training cycle that ensures the 24th MEU is a force ready to answer the Nation’s call in any clime and place.
The 24th MEU’s training program includes two critical phases: the MEU Exercise (MEUEX), conducted in December 2025, and the final Certification Exercise (CERTEX), which will take place throughout the month of February 2026. These exercises are designed to enhance the MEU's ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex operations by refining its command-and-control capabilities as a fully integrated MAGTF. For this rotation, designated as MAGTF-Next, the 24th MEU is comprised of 3d Battalion, 2d Marines (V32) as the Ground Combat Element; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) as the Aviation Combat Element; Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 8 as the Logistics Combat Element; and the Multi Domain Task Unit (MDTU) 26.2 as the Information Combat Element.
"Our nation expects us to be prepared to operate in any environment at a moment's notice," said Col. Ryan Lynch, commanding officer of the 24th MEU. "We will meet and exceed that expectation. Our focus on the Marines and Sailors of the MAGTF, combined with the unmatched commitment to training and excellence will ensure that we remain our Nation’s leading crisis response force."
These training exercises build upon the 24th MEU’s solid foundation of operational plans, standing operating procedures, and communication protocols. By training as a unified MAGTF, the 24th MEU hones its ability to project combat power and respond to crises with speed and flexibility.
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