text: ________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 13
  the landing force commander can plan the scheme of maneuver, final approval
  of the plan comes from the OSC or theater commander.
  CONDUCT
  13-97. The preference for smaller-scale landings reflects the limited and
  subordinate role amphibious landings play in OPFOR thinking. Also, the
  OPFOR does not use its naval infantry in exactly the same way as other
  countries use their marines. For the latter, the seizure of a beachhead is
  often merely a prelude to extended action ashore. The OPFOR, by contrast,
  generally intends to use its specialized naval infantry troops only to secure a
  beachhead (and perhaps to raid inland). Any buildup of effort is by ordinary
  infantry or mechanized infantry units, with supporting artillery and staying
  power. The OPFOR withdraws naval infantry from combat as soon as possible
  to keep it available to ensure the success of subsequent landings. This, along
  with coastal defense, is the primary role of OPFOR naval infantry.
  Joint Forces and Combined Arms
  13-98. An amphibious landing usually takes on a joint and combined arms
  character. Its success normally requires at least temporary local air and naval
  superiority. (The exception would be small-scale raids conducted under condi-
  tions of limited visibility.) Against all but the weakest of enemy defenses, a
  heavy fire preparation is also necessary to suppress the enemy. Naturally,
  much fire is air-delivered, including using fires of accompanying helicopters.
  Also, the main ground forces’ long-range artillery and/or naval gunfire may be
  able to provide support for shallow landings.
  13-99. An airborne or heliborne landing normally precedes or accompanies
  any important amphibious landing. If the amphibious landing is to be small in
  scale and shallow, a heliborne force may suffice. However, a major deep
  landing probably requires the aid of an airborne drop. These air-delivered
  forces may either seize a beachhead or port, interdict the approach of enemy
  reserves, or attack important targets.
  13-100. For successful amphibious and supporting air landings, the OPFOR
  must have an accurate picture of what enemy land, air, and naval forces are in
  range to intervene. Intensive intelligence-gathering always precedes the landing.
  13-101. In a landing conducted jointly with sea-delivered ground forces, naval
  infantry units constitute the assault force. They have responsibility for
  breaching antilanding obstacles in the water and on the shore, for seizing a
  beachhead, and for securing the approach of the exploitation force to the landing
  area. Once ashore, naval infantry units employ standard OPFOR tactics as they
  fight their way forward to link up with air-landed troops. Their immediate mis-
  sion is to provide protection for the landing and deployment of exploitation forces.
  13-102. After the naval infantry secures a beachhead, infantry or mechanized
  infantry units can land and take over the battle. They normally replace,
  rather than reinforce, the assault force, even if the latter has taken only light
  casualties. Thus, the naval infantry remains available to spearhead additional
  landings. Once that is accomplished, the assault force assists the exploitation
  force in achieving the overall objective of the landing.