
LtGen Eric Austin
Deputy Commandant Combat Development and IntegrationHQMCAs the current Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Lieutenant General Eric Austin is at the very heart of designing the future Marine Corps. He is directly responsible for determining the capabilities, concepts, and requirements for the force, making him a critical voice in our discussion on the 3.0 MEU.
A naval aviator by trade, his career began at the intersection of naval and air power. As a Harrier pilot, he gained extensive firsthand experience operating from the decks of amphibious ships as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit. This background gives him a unique, deck-plate perspective on the challenges and opportunities of sea-based power projection, including the crucial roles of maintenance and readiness that are central to today’s topic.
Lieutenant General Austin has commanded at multiple levels, from a Marine Attack Squadron in combat over Iraq to a Marine Aircraft Group, and most recently as the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan. His leadership in the Indo-Pacific, a priority region for naval expeditionary forces, has given him a deep understanding of the strategic importance of a ready and forward-deployed ARG/MEU.
His staff assignments have placed him at the center of shaping Force Design, having served as the Director of the Capabilities Development Directorate and as the Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. A graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and the National War College, he combines his extensive operational experience with an academic and strategic foundation.
3.0 Marine Expeditionary Unit American Sovereignty Afloat – Driving Maintenance and Inventory
This session examines the Marine Corps’ pursuit of a 3.0 ARG/MEU presence – its declared North Star for sustaining American sovereignty afloat and del…This session examines the Marine Corps’ pursuit of a 3.0 ARG/MEU presence – its declared North Star for sustaining American sovereignty afloat and delivering globally responsive capabilities. Panelists will explore how Amphibious Warfare Ship readine…This session examines the Marine Corps’ pursuit of a 3.0 ARG/MEU presence – its declared North Star for sustaining American sovereignty afloat and delivering globally responsive capabilities. Panelists will explore how Amphibious Warfare Ship readiness and inventory management directly shape the nation’s ability to force generate and deploy three ARG/MEUs worldwide on a consistent basis. The discussion will highlight the importance of maintenance…This session examines the Marine Corps’ pursuit of a 3.0 ARG/MEU presence – its declared North Star for sustaining American sovereignty afloat and delivering globally responsive capabilities. Panelists will explore how Amphibious Warfare Ship readiness and inventory management directly shape the nation’s ability to force generate and deploy three ARG/MEUs worldwide on a consistent basis. The discussion will highlight the importance of maintenance and modernization in addressing current challenges to ensure maritime dominance through naval expeditionary agility.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More