Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command

MCA Teams (MCATs) specialize in the maritime environment – from Economic Exclusion Zones, to fisheries, to port and harbor operations and harbor/channel maintenance and reconstruction. MCATs are generally five-person teams consisting of a commander (usually a junior officer), coxswain, corpsman, communicator, and a construction rating Sailor. MCAST also seeks Sailors with unique cultural expertise, such as native speakers, for missions where cultural exchange is necessary for success. MCATs liaison between an operational commander, U.S. country team, and host nation civil and military entities. They focus on benefitting the civilian populace, minimizing the military operations footprint and maximizing the humanitarian assistance impact.

Through Security Force Assistance Mobile Training Teams (SFA MTT), MCAST delivers maritime expeditionary core instruction in support of security cooperation and foreign internal defense missions. These efforts are directed at foreign country military, civil, and security personnel. SFA MTT experts from a variety of ratings perform as internally sourced team members. They provide critical training to partner nations that enhance security, partnership and stability. These teams deliver training in small boat operations and tactics, maritime combat operations, anti-terrorism/force protection, maintenance and construction, and military professional development and leadership. Lessons are taught in the host nation’s language and are tailored to the nation’s needs. SFA MTTs are also capable of providing non-standard training, such as running ranges, foreign weapons familiarization, and field training refreshers to support Navy Component Commanders. Teams deploy and train foreign militaries through a stand-alone event or in conjunction with planned fleet deployments, coordinated exercises, or regional engagement events.

MCAST Command provides a plans and operations element capable of integrating with the operational (Navy Component or Joint Task Force) Commander.

Provides command and control of the MCAST-assigned forces and integrates MCA subject matter expertise into campaign plans and mission analysis. Assists with the preparation of country-specific plans, enhances partner-nation relationships and oversees area assessment, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and civic action projects.

MCAST provides regionally aligned MCA Teams that conduct civil reconnaissance and provide assessment of identified civilian domain infrastructure and capability requirements in support of the Commander’s objectives in an area of focus.

• Maritime Security, Port operations and security
• Civilian medical care capability
• Marine resources and management

MCAST Command provides subject matter experts in functions that are specific to a wide range of maritime-related disciplines capable of assisting in the near-shore, riparian, and lake environments.

• Commercial port operations
• Marine resource management
• Public health
• Public education
• Civic/City Planning
• Civilian Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Services

MCAST Command delivers military maritime expeditionary core instruction to foreign militaries in support of security cooperation and foreign internal defense missions.

Subject areas:

• Small boat operations and tactics
• Maritime combat operations
• Weapons handling
• Anti-terrorism/Force protection
• Maintenance and construction
• Officer and non-commissioned officer professional development and leadership

Lessons are taught in the host nation’s language. SFA MTTs are also capable of providing non-standard training, such as running ranges, foreign weapons familiarization, and field training refreshers to support the Navy Component Commanders.[1]