An Overview of Force Development for Aviation Ordnance​

Navigating the Marine Corps' force development system can be daunting, but understanding the pathways to change is essential for driving meaningful improvements. Whether addressing urgent operational needs, deliberate capability development, or aligning with mission essential tasks (METs), each process serves as an inroad to influence organizational change. This guide highlights key mechanisms—U-UNS, D-UNS, JEONs, JUONs, CBAs, AARs, and METs—and their potential to effect positive change, particularly in the aviation ordnance community. This article aims to provide a foundational understanding of these tools and their roles within the broader capability development framework. While this overview is not exhaustive, it will guide readers toward identifying relevant pathways and encourage further exploration of these topics.

The evidence presented speaks for itself: Mission Essential Tasks (METs) are fundamental to the development, justification, and implementation of force structure within the Marine Corps. The clear, consistent emphasis on METs across doctrine, planning, and execution underscores their critical role in aligning personnel, equipment, and organizational capabilities with mission requirements. METs are undeniably a vital component of the force structure, ensuring the Marine Corps remains prepared and capable in an evolving operational environment.