Marine Corps Warfighting Publication MCWP 3-03 US Marine Corps Stability Operations 16 December 2016 The Marine Corps will continue, with increasing frequency, to conduct activities in support of stability operations. These operations will span the range of military operations, from peacetime engagement, to limited contingencies and crisis response, to major operations and campaigns. During periods of relative calm, combatant commanders will use Marine Corps operating forces, either Marine air-ground task forces or other task-organized force packages, in support of our national strategy of engagement. This aspect of our national strategy assists in building host nation capacities, promotes democracy and the rule of law, and builds understanding of our cultures. Beyond peacetime engagement, Marine Corps operating forces will participate in both limited contingency and crisis response stability operations.