According to the publication, the request for deployment was initiated by the U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the region, and received approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Additionally, NBC reports that, in addition to the forces already sent, another 5,000 Marines will be deployed to the Middle East to support operations against Iran.
These servicemen make up a rapid response amphibious group and a Marine expeditionary unit known as ARG/MEU. The group includes about 2,500 Marines and an equal number of sailors, all of whom are associated with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based in Japan.
It is important to note that the MEU has specialized training for rapid response to crisis situations, including evacuation from dangerous areas and the protection of diplomatic missions. The fighters of this unit are also intended for priority arrival to prepare positions for other forces, including special operations units.
