OBJECTIVE
UNDERSTAND THE ROLE AND IMPACT THAT THE BEACH, HYDROGRAPHICS AND SURF HAVE ON AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS.
Notes:
- No other warfare area is more affected by METOC conditions: weather, ocean conditions, and hydrographics, than Amphibious Warfare. METOC conditions can be the Go / No Go criteria for the landing.
- The Marines suffered terrible losses during the amphibious assault on the Tarawa atoll in 1943 due to unpredictable tidal conditions that seriously disrupted the landing. The initial assault waves beached on an offshore coral reef. When the troops stepped out of the assault craft, they were drowned by the weight of their packs.
- In 1950, the amphibious planners for the Inchon landing effectively accounted for the dangerous tidal conditions (tidal ranges measured in meters) the landing force would encounter.
- Hydrographics - the analysis of surf conditions, currents, slope or gradient, and tides as well as the survey of underwater obstacles. From a naval viewpoint, hydrographics is a crucial element in planning ship to shore movement.
- These five parameters (gathered by SEALs, with support coming also from an OA division or Mobile Team) are measured or observed and in turn recorded and transmitted to an evaluator on the CATF staff. This information is assessed and the impact considered throughout the operation.