Marines participate in Alligator Dagger 17.....pics by Lance Cpl. Melanye Martinez

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (April 8, 2017) — U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) make their way back to an amphibious assault vehicle after conducting a mechanized raid at Arta Beach, Djibouti, April 8, during Exercise Alligator Dagger 17. The exercise provides an opportunity to enhance multilateral capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps, as well as partners and allies in the region. The 24th MEU, part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

Editor's Note:  This will be something that the upcoming ACV will excel at.  If Marine Corps planners are smart and want to maximize the utility of this vehicle in service (especially if I can somehow get Neller to listen to my Enhanced Expeditionary Unit idea) then Mechanized Raids against terrorist forces will be something we put on the plate for Combatant Commanders.  Even if we use it in a support role to Helo-Borne Raids by Navy SEALs/Special Forces it would provide increased flexibility for both SOCOM & the CC!